A Life Of Excellence: Part 3
A Life Built On The Foundation Of Holy Scripture
Ephesians 2:20
1. Who were the Apostles & Prophets? - Mere men - with similar faults & failures as us
A. Moses - fits of anger
B. David - unchecked lust
C. Solomon - extravagance & lust
D. Elijah - depression
E. Peter - hypocritical racism
F. Paul & Barnabas - stubborn animosity
2. What is the foundation of the Apostles & Prophets?
A. Not them personally! (1 Cor. 3:4-9)
B. Their teachings & inspired writings!
· (2 Tim 3:16 ) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
· (2 Pet 3:15 ) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
· (1 Cor 11:1 ) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
3. What promises are there for the person whose life is built on this Biblical foundation?
· (Josh 1:8 ) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
· (Psa 119:11 ) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
· (Psa 119:165 ) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
· (2 Tim 3:17 ) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
4. What practical steps can you take to build on this firm foundation of God’s Word?
A. Memorize - {Here are a few to start with that emphasize the victory available to you through God’s Strength}
· (1 Cor 15:57-58) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
· (Phil 4:13 ) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
· (1 John 5:4 ) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
· (Isa 40:31 ) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
· (1 Cor 16:13 ) Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
· (Mat 7:7-8) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
· (Eph 6:13-14) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
· (1 John 4:4 ) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
· (Josh 1:8 ) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
B. Personalize - {Use I, me, my, mine, when you come across meaningful statements to put yourself into the pages of Scripture.}
· (2 Cor 10:3-5) For though we {I} live in the world, we {I} do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we {I} fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We {I} demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we {I} take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
· (Phil 4:6-8) Do {I should} not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, {I need to} present your {my} requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all {my} understanding, will guard your {my} heart and your {my} mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers {your name goes here}, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- {I should} think about such things.
C. Analyze - (Ask your self some tough questions like…}
· How do the verses you have studied & memorized affect your view of God? Your self? Your spouse? Your children? Your church? Your friendships?
· Do these verses give me a warning to heed?
· Do these verses give me a sin to avoid?
· Do these verses give me a mission to fulfill?
· Do these verses give me a virtue to develop?
· Do these verses give me a doctrine to believe?
· Do these verses give me a direction to follow?
· Do these verses give me a prayer to pray?
· Do these verses give me a promise to claim?
· If so, what will I do about it?
