CHRISTIAN MAINTENANCE

CHRISTIAN MAINTENANCE

INTRODUCTION:

Some of us are very familiar with insurance policies. When I bought my car, many people advised me to make sure I take up an insurance policy in order to ensure adequate care for the car. Insurance policy involves paying periodic premiums and to be fully indemnified against any damage on an insured item, the Insurance company would verify if the damage was as a result of insured proximate cause. If the investigation revealed otherwise, claim against damage may be rejected.

Salvation is full and free! Getting saved is much easier than keeping saved, we have a part to play but thank God Christian maintenance is full, affordable available, free and comprehensively covers all our maintenance needs. Jesus paid it all.

 

1. What is meant by present your bodies a living sacrifice Romans 12:1?

PRESENT? – willingly offer, transfer of control and ownership

You can’t present what you don’t have dominion over

Spiritual Self - image, worth, analysis, improvement, examination

·         Salvation helps us to secure a spiritual identity

·         A saved soul values his/her spiritual identity

·         Self-analysis of how submissive we are to God

·         Self-improvement and examination by using God’s standard

Come to yourself and submit

It must be deeply desired

Activate a Paradigm shift

Humility  and total surrender are the keys

Matter belongs to thee (Best “Do it yourself”)

BODY? – physical and internal

Your Physical structure

Your Emotional being

Your Appetite

Your Pleasure-seeking desire

LIVING? - Fully alive

The body desire natural things

What the body wants may not produce life

It is good to identify the purpose of the body – it is just a package

The body goes nowhere: It ends here. (Know that and be wise)

The body is the first enemy to be conquered

Authority over the body is crucial if we are to make spiritual success

Only God, through spiritual capacity can subdue the body

SACRIFICE? (Consecration)

·         Deliberately setting aside

·         Watching over what is set aside

·         Total surrender in thought, action and reaction

·         Satan is jealous of whatever we consecrate (he wants it too)

·         Protect and defend your consecrations

1. Dedication to God:

Total Commitment: A complete surrender of oneself to God and dedicating entire life to His service.

2. Transformation - Renewal of Mind: A transformation of our thoughts, resulting in a life that reflects God’s will.

3. Active Worship: Actively living out faith through thoughts, actions, and behaviors that honor God.

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

4. Holiness and Righteousness - Living a Holy Life: Holy and pleasing to God, reflecting His nature in every aspect of life.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. (1 Peter 1:15)

5. Service: Serving others and demonstrating Christ’s love.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

 Application Points for Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices

1. Daily Surrender - Commit Each Day to God: Start each day with a prayerful commitment to God, asking for guidance and strength to live for Him.

2. Practice Spiritual Disciplines - Develop Holy Habits: Engage in regular prayer, Bible study, and worship to keep your mind and heart aligned with God’s will.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 3:18)

3. Exercise Holiness in Choices - Make Wise Choices: Evaluate your lifestyle choices -what you consume (media, food, etc.) and how you interact with others to ensure they reflect a commitment to holiness.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

4. Show Love to Neighbors - Be Actively Compassionate: Reach out to serve and help those around you, embodying the love of Christ in practical ways.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

5. Stay Disciplined in Your Calling - Pursue Your Gifts: Use the spiritual gifts and talents God has given you to serve His church and share the Gospel.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

 

2. What is meant by holy, acceptable unto God?

Holy?

God’s own righteousness

Entire transformation

Pure (Within and without)

Acceptable?

Totally in tune and agreement with God

In God’s terms and conditions

No negotiation/Modification

Godly

Unquestionable

Non-negotiable

 Meaning of Holy, Acceptable Unto God

1. Set Apart for God: To be consecrated and dedicated to God, reflecting His purity and righteousness.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. (1 Peter 1:15)

2. Acceptable - Pleasing to God: What is presented to God must be pleasing and in accordance with His will and standards. This denotes doing things that align with His purposes.

Application Points

1. Pursue a Holy Lifestyle - Live According to God’s Standards: Strive to live a life that reflects God’s holiness in thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

(Hebrews 12:14)

2. Cultivate Righteousness - Engage in Righteous Acts: Seek to engage in activities that demonstrate integrity, kindness, and righteousness as a reflection of God’s character.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

3. Examine Personal Motives: - Ensure Heart Alignment: Regularly assess your intentions and motives, ensuring that they are aligned with God’s will and purpose rather than selfish desires.

4. Engagement in Prayer and Scripture Study - Seek God’s Guidance: Spend time in prayer and the Word to understand God’s character and how to reflect holiness in your life.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

5. Respond to God’s Grace - Recognize God’s Mercies: Understand that being acceptable to God is rooted in His grace. Live in response to His mercy by offering your life to Him.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4-5)

7. Execute Service with Joy and Willingness -Serve with a Grateful Heart: Approach your service to God and others with joy, understanding that your actions should reflect a dedication to Him.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23)

 

3. Why should the control of worldly pursuits be considered as a reasonable service?

Control

Disciplined

Under authority (to issue authority)

Guided

Focused

Imagine a car without break: Fatal accident is unavoidable

Worldly?

Ungodly

Against Righteousness

"High places" (left undestroyed)

Worldly Interest

Inordinate Taste

Worldly Habits

Reasonable?

·         being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence

Expected principle

Secured practices

Defence awareness

Best self-care inputs

We are bought with a price

It is in our best interest

The avenger of blood is lurking and hunting

Our duty is to do our part

You're the one to profit

God did His part

1. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty -Acknowledgment of His Authority: An acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and lordship over every aspect of life.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

2. Manifesting a Transformed Life - Exemplifying Transformation: Controlling worldly pursuits is evidence of a transformed mind and life, showcasing the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer.

3. Promoting a Healthy Witness- Reflecting Christ to Others

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

4. Encouraging Maturity in Faith: Resisting worldly distractions encourages deeper spiritual growth and reliance on God, strengthening one’s faith.

5. Experiencing True Fulfilment - Finding Joy in Christ: True fulfilment comes not from worldly pursuits but from following Christ, realizing that spiritual satisfaction outweighs temporary pleasures.

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:9)

 

4. What is meant by be not conformed to this world?

"Be not"

Warning: To those who would heed

Defensive measure

The world is a trap to avoid

The world is full of entanglements to be avoided

It is better to avoid the bait than to struggle in the trap

Conformity?

Easy way out

Lost identity

Lost of integrity

Mortgaged integrity

Downhill process

Introduce yourself

Choose your engagements

Make your environment

Transform

Make impacts

Meaning of Be Not Conformed to This World

1. Resistance to Worldly Influences -Avoiding External Pressure: Resist the pressures of cultural norms and societal values that contradict biblical teachings.

Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4)

2. Transformative Living - Embracing a New Identity in Christ

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

3. Mind Renewal - Focus on Spiritual Growth - to align with God’s will and purposes rather than those of the world.

4. Seeking God’s Kingdom -Prioritizing Godly Values

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

How do we do these?

1. Evaluate Cultural Norms - Assess Influence: Regularly examine the values and practices of the world around you and determine which are conflicting with your faith.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)

2. Cultivate a Biblical Mindset - Engage in Scripture Study: Regularly read and meditate on God’s Word to develop a mindset that reflects His truth and wisdom.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

3. Surround Yourself with Godly Influence -Fellowship with Believers: Engage with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you to live according to God’s standards.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

4. Embrace Godly Values - Make Choices Based on Scripture: Allow biblical principles to guide your decisions in every area of life, including relationships, career, and entertainment.

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. (Proverbs 6:23)

5. Practice Discernment - Be Cautious with Media Consumption: Be selective about the media, music, and messages you consume, ensuring they align with your faith.

But examine all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

6. Promote Goodness in the World - Be a Light in Darkness: Instead of conforming to worldly values, strive to be a positive influence in your community, reflecting Christ’s love and truth.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14)

7. Pray for Strength and Guidance - Seek God’s Help: Regularly pray for God’s strength to resist conformity to worldly standards and for wisdom in navigating cultural challenges.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

 

5. How do Christians renew their minds? See Philippians 4:8.

How?

- Elimination by substitution

- Wrong usage must be eliminated

- Good habits must substitute the bad

The word of God is the Manual of life

Why: We are still in the world

When: We must renew our minds regularly and continuously

How?

·         Use the word

·         Prayer every day

·         Fellowship with other believers

·         Service: An idle hand is the devil’s workshop

·         Giving: Having a mind of God

1. Focus on Positive Thoughts -Think on Virtue and Goodness

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

2. Meditate on Scripture -Engage in God’s Word: Regularly reading and meditating on the Bible allows the Spirit to transform thoughts and guide attitudes.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

3. Pray for Understanding and Wisdom -Seek God’s Guidance: Prayer is fundamental to renewing the mind, as it invites God's wisdom into our thoughts and decisions.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

4. Avoid Negative Influences -Steer Clear of Corrupting Media: Limit exposure to negative or destructive influences—such as certain media, conversations, or environments—that do not reflect Godly values.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

5. Surround Yourself with Godly People - Engage in Fellowship: Being in community with other believers ensures encouragement, accountability, and the sharing of positive thoughts and behaviors.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

6. Practice Gratitude - Cultivate a Thankful Heart: Regularly expressing gratitude helps shift focus from negative thoughts to the goodness of God.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

7. Act in Faith -Live Out Beliefs: Taking steps of faith in obedience to God's Word can reinforce new thoughts and beliefs, further renewing the mind.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

8. Reflect on God’s Creation and Providence -Acknowledge His Majesty: Contemplating God’s creation and His work in your life can inspire awe and reshape your perspective.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

(Psalm 19:1)

 

6. As Christians, we want to bring our lives under the control of Christ. From Romans 12:2, what are three things we could ask ourselves about our plans as criteria for establishing whether God is really in control of our lives and plans?

1. Be not conformed (Avoid)

·         Are we conforming in thoughts, plans, actions and reactions?

2. Be ye transformed (Elimination)

·         Are old things gone and passed away?

·         Without change, there is no transformation

3. Prove what is good, acceptable perfect will of God

·         How good, acceptable and perfect are our thoughts, plans, actions and reactions?

·         Antidote: Faith through good works, obedience and submission.

Willingness

Submission

Obedience

Questions to Ask About Our Plans

1. Are My Plans Based on God’s Word? -Evaluate Scripture Alignment: Are the goals and aspirations I have rooted in biblical principles? Do my plans reflect the truths of God’s Word?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Application: Before making decisions, consult Scripture to see if the plans align with God’s teachings and guidance.

2. Am I Seeking God’s Will in Prayer? -Pray for Guidance: Am I regularly seeking God’s will through prayer, asking for His direction and wisdom in my planning?

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

    Incorporate prayer into your planning process, asking God to reveal His purposes and to align your desires with His.

3. Do My Plans Reflect a Heart of Service and Love? -Consider Others: Are my ambitions self-serving, or do they consider the well-being of others and contribute to building up the Body of Christ?

But by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

    Assess whether your plans promote unity, love, and service to others, reflecting the character of Christ in your decisions.

 

7. As we continue the thought of Christian maintenance, how does the phrase, See that none render evil for evil unto any man, apply?

The natural man

·         The natural reaction does not need to be acquired

·         If you still react the natural/expected way, there is no transformation

The transformed man

·         The transformed man/woman lives his/her life based on God’s instructions

What makes the difference?

·         Your reactions defines your identity – the real you

·         If you still react the natural way, you are still carnal

·         Spiritual capacity males the difference

When spiritual identity is lost

·         Spiritual virtues are imparted

·         It is not a title but an imparted grace

·         You may try to live it but the real you would be exposed

Antidote: The Love of God

·         The love of God in our hearts moderates our actions and reactions

·         You can’t give what you don’t have

Application Points on See That None Render Evil for Evil

1. Commit to Forgiveness: -Avoid Holding Grudges. Choose to forgive those who have wronged you, reflecting God's forgiveness towards you.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

(Matthew 6:14)

2. Respond with Kindness: -Counteract Evil with Good. Practice responding to hurtful actions with kindness, demonstrating the transformative power of love.

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:39)

3. Maintain Peace: -Promote Harmony Over Conflict. Seek to resolve conflict peacefully rather than escalating tensions through retaliation or revenge.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

4. Set a Godly Example: -Reflect Christ’s Character. By not rendering evil for evil, you show the world the love of Christ and may lead others to Him.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

5. Trust God’s Justice: -Believe in Divine Justice. Recognize that God is the ultimate judge and can handle justice in His perfect timing, freeing you from the burden of seeking revenge.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

6. Practice Empathy: -Understand Others’ Struggles: Try to see things from the perspective of those who hurt you, which can soften your heart and lead to a response of compassion instead of anger.

7. Engage in Prayer: -Pray for Those Who Offend You: Commit to praying for those who hurt you, asking God to bless them and help you see them through His eyes.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

8. Cultivate a Gracious Heart: -Foster a Spirit of Grace: Regularly remind yourself of how much grace you have received from God, prompting you to extend that same grace to others.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

 

8. Why can the Christian give thanks in everything (Romans 8:28)? Explain why this is important in the light of maintaining our Christian testimony.

Joy? - Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul

Joy of salvation

Joy is the electricity of life

Above circumstances

Thanks? - gratitude or recognition in response to someone kind or generous way

A personal taste of the goodness of God

Personal relationship with God makes it possible

Spiritual understanding

A test of Christian virtue

It is God's command

1. God's Sovereignty: -Belief in Divine Control: Christians trust that God is sovereign and in control of all situations, orchestrating events for His purpose.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

2. God’s Goodness: -Foundation of Character: Believers can be assured of God’s inherent goodness, knowing that He desires what is best for them, even when circumstances appear difficult.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)

3. Perspective on Trials: -Growth Through Difficulties: Trials can lead to spiritual growth, producing perseverance and maturity in faith.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3)

4. Assurance of God’s Plans: -Hope in God’s Promises: Believers are reassured that God has a plan and purpose, providing a sense of peace amid chaos.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. Transformation and Redemption: -Focus on Eternal Perspective: Even in hardship, God is at work in believers’ lives, transforming them to be more like Christ.

Importance of Giving Thanks in Maintaining Christian Testimony

1. Witness to God’s Faithfulness: -Reflecting Trust in God: Giving thanks in all situations serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness, showing others that trust in Him transcends circumstances.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:15)

2. Encouragement for Others: -Strengthening Fellow Believers: Sharing experiences of gratitude even in trials can encourage and uplift fellow Christians who may be struggling.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

3. Demonstrating Christ-like Attitude: -Reflecting Christ’s Love: A spirit of thankfulness amidst adversity mirrors the character of Christ, further drawing others to Him.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame… (Hebrews 12:2)

4. Cultivating a Positive Perspective: -Resisting Despair: Maintaining a thankful heart helps combat negativity and fosters a positive outlook, which is attractive to those observing your faith.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

5. Reinforcement of Spiritual Resilience: -Developing Endurance: Gratitude helps strengthen a believer’s spirit, fortifying their resilience through life’s challenges and transitions.

 

9. What does it mean to abstain from all appearance of evil?

Abstain? - to choose not to do or have something

Snare: Evil often comes and disguise as an opportunity

Bait: Attraction to fall into the snare

Better to avoid the bait than to struggle inside the trap/snare

When in doubt, ask yourself: What would Jesus do? (WWJD)

The appearances?

·         Exact situation (Actual commission)

·         Similar (a cover up of the fact)

·         Subtle desire (covert acts)

Holiness and Separation: Living a life set apart for God.

1 Peter 1:15-16 - But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Avoiding Temptation: By abstaining from even the appearance of evil, believers can prevent situations that may lead to temptation or sin. This conscious effort helps to maintain spiritual integrity and purity.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Witness to Others: The way believers conduct themselves can impact their witness to non-believers. By abstaining, Christians show others that they are serious about their faith and commitment to Christ.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Guarding Against Misinterpretation: Abstaining from the appearance of evil helps to ensure that one's actions cannot be misinterpreted as sinful. This requires an awareness of the perceptions of others and a desire to avoid causing confusion or leading others astray.

Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of.

Accountability and Integrity: Avoiding any appearance of evil demonstrates a commitment to integrity. It encourages believers to be accountable for their actions and to live in a way that aligns with their stated beliefs.

2 Corinthians 8:21 - Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Moral Discernment: This principle calls for believers to develop moral discernment, evaluating activities and associations carefully to determine their appropriateness in light of God’s standards.

Philippians 1:10 - That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Leading by Example: By abstaining from anything that could be misconstrued as evil, believers set a positive example for others, encouraging them to live righteously and make wise choices.

1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

10. Explain why a person cannot love the things of the world and love God at the same time. See Matthew 6:24.

Opposing Identity

Different mode of operations

Variance in end/product of operations

More of God, less of worldliness

More of worldliness, less of God

Weakened relationship (when mixed)

One winner (Who is winning? God or the world)

Divided Loyalties: Loving the things of the world creates a divided heart, which is contrary to the singular devotion that God requires from His followers. A divided heart lacks the commitment necessary for true faith.

James 1:8 - A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Conflict of Values: The values of the world often stand in opposition to the values of God’s kingdom. Pursuing worldly desires can lead to compromises in faith and morals, ultimately distancing a person from God.

1 John 2:15-16 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Idolatry of Materialism: When a person prioritizes earthly possessions and pleasures, they risk elevating these things to the status of an idol, which replaces God in their hearts.

Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Impact on Spiritual Growth: A love for the world can stunt spiritual growth and maturity. It can distract a believer from the pursuit of spiritual things and hinder their relationship with God.

Matthew 13:22 - He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Alienation from God: When someone is consumed by love for worldly pleasures or possessions, it creates an alienation from God, as their focus shifts away from seeking His kingdom and righteousness.

Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

True Contentment in God Alone: Authentic love for God brings true contentment and fulfillment that cannot be found in the fleeting pleasures of the world. This connection underscores the emptiness that often characterizes worldly pursuits.

Eternal Perspective: Loving God leads to an eternal perspective, recognizing that the things of this world are temporary. This contrasts sharply with the eternal nature of God and the value of spiritual treasures.

2 Corinthians 4:18 - While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

11. Explain 1 John 2:17 in your own words.

Transitional nature (even current the heaven will pass away)

Our needs and wants are transitional and relative (for a moment)

Life at its best is requires a purposeful living/passage/usage

Distinguished people live a purpose life for God

Returns on livelihood comes when we do the will of God

The end justifies the means, inputs and investments

Impermanence of the World: The physical world and its desires are temporary and will eventually fade away. This includes all the pleasures and material possessions that people often chase after.

   It’s important to recognize that worldly achievements and possessions do not last, and placing our hope in them can lead to disappointment. 

  Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

Eternal Value of God’s Will: Those who choose to live according to God’s will and purposes will have lasting significance and eternal life.

   Our choices to follow God and live in accordance with His commandments lead to spiritual fulfillment and eternal rewards.

Choose Wisely: Making wise choices that prioritize our relationship with God leads to a fulfilling and enduring life.

   We must continually evaluate where we place our time, energy, and resources—whether in fleeting worldly pursuits or in God’s eternal kingdom.

Colossians 3:2 - Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

CONCLUSSION:

 

SEARCH ME O GOD

1. Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev'ry sin and set me free.

2. I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify thy name.

3. Lord, take my life and make it wholly thine;
Fill my poor heart with thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.