To Put God First Lesson 2 Series

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14, NLT

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23, NLT

“But Daniel was determined (vowed) not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.” Daniel 1:8, NLT

“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said.” Daniel 1:12, NLT

1. The issue was not life-threatening. Daniel was given food and every other thing as he trained to serve the king. “The king appointed … a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and … wine which he drank … and three years of training” (Daniel 1:5).

2. There are times when we must “purpose” that God is our priority. God is more important than enjoyable food, activities, entertainment, etc.

3. Did satan want to embarrass God by getting Daniel and his friends to compromise? Satan went into the presence of God to get permission to tempt Job to embarrass God (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). When satan tries to get you to compromise, is he trying to embarrasses God, or is it just you?

4. Both Job and Daniel resolved from the start to make every decision to follow God.

5. Your first decision to follow Jesus should influence every other decision you make in life.

a. On the Broad Road you will be influenced to make decisions by others on the Broad Road, also influenced by entertainment, selfish desires, and pride (1 John 2:15).

b. Since many are not walking the Narrow Road what can you learn from others? You have a different path, a different set of guidelines, a different goal, and a different master, i.e., Jesus Christ.

6. The power of choice, your decisions are up to you. No one can make you do what they want. You are a thinking, feeling person with the power of choice, self-perception, and self-direction.

7. God gives you the choice how you will live, even when your decisions do not involve Him. He will not force Himself and His choice on you. God respects your freedom.

a. You are a free moral agent.

b. You are independent-dependent. You are independent of God, and others, but you are dependent because the ultimate things of life depend on God and others.

8. When God lets you choose, it reveals who you are, what you can do, and how well you do it. Your best choice of all is when you chose for God and about God.

9. Therefore, life is choice, therefore, choice is powerful.

10. Remember, life is not just about you, and choice is not just about you, it is ultimately all about God, all the time. When you let God make your choices, you have everything.

11. You are not supposed to be like the culture where you live, you are God’s representation (He indwells you), to do His purpose and plan for you. So, bring glory to Him, worship Him, and you will cast your crowns at His feet in Heaven (Revelation 4:10).

12. Your decision to fast and put God first will determine your life and each decision you make while fasting will influence your destiny.

13. PRAY! I will decide to fast and pray to put Christ first in my life, to grow to be like Christ, to follow God’s will for my life, and to worship and glorify Christ in everything.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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