Living Deliberately

1. Define Both Words

a. Living – the process of sustaining or maintaining a way of life

b. Deliberately – carefully thought our & done intentionally

2. Poor planning & no planning almost synonymous

a. Mid July Farmers talking – 1 notorious for laziness

‘How’s your cotton doing?’ –Ain’t got none. Why???

‘Didn’t plant none. ‘fraid of the boll weevil’

‘Well, how’s your corn coming?’ – Didn’t plant none

‘Fraid of the drought’

‘How about your potatoes?’ Ain’t got none

‘Scairt of tater bugs’

‘Well, what did you plant? ‘Nuthin’

I just played it safe

1. DELIBERATE PATH

A. Passion – see then

1. Refers back to vs. 14 – no time for sleep walking

2. Many paths available in 2008

a. Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

b. Matthew 7:13-14

Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.

c. Jesus said I AM THE WAY

B. Progression that you walk

1. Christian life never meant to be static

a. all about becoming more like Jesus

2. Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)

"Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14 "Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15 If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. 16 Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

C. Precision – Circumspectly Exactly & Accurately

1. Because We Have an Adversary Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. Because We Have an Audience

1 Corinthians 8:9-12 (KJV)

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

D. Presentation

1. Negatively not as fools

Proverbs 14:16 (MSG)

The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless.

Proverbs 12:15 (MSG)

Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.

Proverbs 28:26 (MSG)

If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.

2. Positively but as wise

Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

2. DELIBERATE PRIORITIES Vs. 16

A. Decision Redeeming the time

1. redeeming

a. buy up

b. rescue from loss – save from waste

2. time – karios

a. certain season

b. opportunity

c. divine appointment

B. Departing the days