August 23, 2009 Class Follow-Up

August 23, 2009--Romans 6: 8--18

LESSON SUMMARY


Today's lesson was entitled "Righteous Slaves." Paul taught in these scriptures that we are all slaves either to sin or righteousness and he encouraged God's children to be a slave to righteousness and an instrument or tool of righteousness to others. Paul makes it clear in verses 8-10 that believers should live for God, now and forever. In verses 11-13, he emphasizes that Christians should be dead to sin, but alive to God, should not allow sin to reign in our bodies, and should use our body as an instrument of righteousness.


During the lesson today, we pondered this question: "How can you actively reject the reign of sin in your life on a daily basis?" We identified the following strategies: a strong prayer life, spending time in the Word of God, and recognizing the fact that the victory has already been won--the victory belongs to us if we will depend on God's strength to help us defeat the influence of sin in our lives. When you are faced with a temptation or an inclination to sin, do you remember this truth? Jesus died on a cross for us. His death paid the price for our sin. He sent the Holy Spirit to in-dwell our lives and to aid us as we fight to overcome temptation and our proclivity toward sin. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!" (Phillipians 4:13)



We also discussed the fact that it is impossible to serve two masters. Therefore, when we try to rationalize behavior that is not pleasing to God, we need to remember that it is impossible to be a slave to sin AND be a slave to righteousness at the same time. We make the choice of whether or not we will be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness--it is a personal decision that is made repeatedly throughout each day of our lives. As Christians, we should be living a life of obedience on a daily basis and we should not accept the authority of sin in our lives--not as habitual sin or even as occasional sin (verses 8:1 and 8:15). Here are some typical issues that tend to enslave Christians. Perhaps, you can identify others?



FINANCIAL PROBLEMS WORLD EVENTS

WORK ISSUES PARENTING

MEDICAL PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS WITH FRIENDS/NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

MARITAL CONFLICT BAD HABITS



According to Paul, the path to becoming a slave to righteousness and a tool of righteousness for our neighbors is simple:

1. Die to sin--ask forgiveness and repent from sin

2. Be alive in God--spend time in prayer, study the Word, live to please God

3. Do not allow sin to reign in your body--reject the influence of sin in your body

4. Use your body as an instrument of righteousness--serve others, influence others, be a role model for others

LIVE AS A SLAVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS

Think about these questions this week:

Who or what determines the things that dominate or control a person?

What would Paul say to a psychologist who says that you cannot change behavior that is inherited?

What kind of behavior are your children being exposed to that could become "inherited behavior"?

Have you ever been guilty of trying to serve two masters?

I don't know about you guys, but I was absolutely lifted up by the singing of "How Great Thou Art" in the worship service today. I grew up hearing that song and it always brings chills to
my spine when it is performed with passion as it was today. I have heard it performed by many different artists, but Elvis is still my favorite. Just take a look at the words of the first verse and you can understand the power of this great classic:

Oh Lord my God when I in awesome wonder Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the **rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

REFRAIN:Then sings my soul my savior God to thee

How great thou art

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Class Social at Emerald Forest Pool on Appomattox Drive from 5:00 p.m.--8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2009

Bring a picnic supper for your family and a dessert to share with others (That's what I'm talk'in 'bout) Physical Address: 8500 Appomattox Drive--Directions: Exit from Hwy. 6 Bypass on 2818/Harvey Mitchell Pkwy/Emerald Forest Pkwy (all the same exit), Turn on Emerald Forest Parkway into Emerald Forest Subdivision, Turn Left on Appomattox, Arrive at Pool on Left. I'll be in the air conditioned room!

Welcome to new visitors this week: Jason and Stephani Sap and also to Karri's Mom who was visiting with us.

SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY FOR MOST STUDENTS--PRAY FOR A SMOOTH START, PRAY FOR PATIENCE AMONG PARENTS AND STUDENTS AS WELL AS SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, PRAY FOR A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH STUDENTS GROW AND KNOWLEDGE IS MULTIPLIED.

Prayer Requests Copied from Tracey's E-Mail:

Please remember the teachers and students as they head back to school tomorrow.Jackson- Praise! Hollis' parents finally sold their house. They close on Sept. 15th. Also please pray for Hollis' uncle who will be undergoing surgery.Creel- their teacher friend, Jody, cancer appears worse. More spots were found on her liver. Please continue to pray for this young mom.Gutierrez- Kathleen's brother is starting college after quitting his drug rehab program early. Please pray for him as he faces temptations.Scasta- Craig's cousin's wife, Amber, has been diagnosed with MS or fibromyalgia. She has an MRI tomorrow to find out more.Day- Praise! It looks like Becky's sister has arthritis rather than MS which is a more favorable diagnosis for treatment. She will see her Dr. tomorrow.CLASS SOCIAL: Don't forget!! Come have some end-of-summer fun this Saturday, Aug. 29th 5-8PM at the Emerald Forest neighborhood pool (the park and pool that can be seen when you are driving on Appomattox). Bring the kids to swim and hang out with friends in the AC!! See you there!