Introduction

• Mark 1:17
• John 4:13-14, 34 – Jesus often used physical things to teach spiritual lessons.
• John 7:37-38

Self-control and discipline

• I Corinthians 9:24-27
• Athletes put tremendous effort into training and preparing for their sport. They practice great discipline over themselves.
• How is my spiritual preparation and training going?

Sacrifice

• II Corinthians 12:14-15
• Philippians 2:14-15
• Paul sacrificed his time, energy, and health to spread the gospel.
• II Timothy 2:8-10, 3
• There is no cause more worthy than the cause of Christ.
• Whatever it costs to serve God is worth it!

Wrong priorities

• Matthew 6:25-34
• I Corinthians 6:12
• We should not be completely obsessed with anything outside of God.
• Matthew 22:37
• Ephesians 5:3

Football crowds are nothing … compared to Heaven!

• Revelation 5:11-14

Holiness of Christ

Scripture calls Him holy

• Mark 1:24 – I know who you are – the Holy One of God!
• Luke 1:35 – Holy One who is to be born
• Hebrews 7:26 – High Priest who is Holy

How did He demonstrate His holiness?

Christ was sinless

• Hebrews 4:15 – tempted as we are, yet without sin
• II Corinthians 5:21 – knew no sin
• I John 3:5 – in Him there is no sin
• John 8:12, 42-47
• If Jesus had sin, then …
  • His teaching would be discredited.
  • He would not have been God.
  • He would have needed salvation.
  • He would not be qualified to be our sacrifice.

Christ knew His purpose

• Holiness of God – Jesus was sinless – perfect, unmatched
• Holiness of anything else – Jesus made the common into something special.
• John 6:38 – I am here to do the will of my Father.
• John 8:29 – I always do those things that please Him.
• John 4:34 – My food is to do the will of Him who sent me.

How should His holiness affect us?

He was perfect in all holiness – without sin

• How does that affect me?
  • Hebrews 7:25-27 – Earthly priests needed their own sacrifices. Jesus did not.
  • II Corinthians 5:20-21 – He became the sin offering for us.

Introduction

• I Peter 1:7

Academic integrity

• II Corinthians 8:20-21 – It would have been easy for Paul to steal some of the money, but he didn’t want his integrity to be questioned.
• Ephesians 4:25
• Colossians 3:23
• We are now in the age of AI. Texas A&M University is trying to crack down on cheating via generative AI.
• This could be a challenge if you are not cheating, but you see cheaters getting away with it and having a much easier time in school.

Independent faith

• Hebrews 11:1-3, 6-7
• Romans 10:17
• I must read and come to my own faith.
• Noah built the ark because of his faith.
• Asking questions is the way to develop faith.
• Ephesians 6:16

Pure dress

• Romans 6:12-14 – Am I using my body as an instrument of unrighteousness?
• Romans 13:13-14
• Be careful of the effect your clothing has on others.
• Luke 17:1-2 – Woe to those who cause others to stumble.

Budgeted time

• Ephesians 5:15-16
• Luke 8:14
• Plan and be deliberate with how you use your time.
• Psalms 1:1-3
• Make a resolution to put God first!

Faithful friends

• Mark 3:31-35 – Jesus was emphasizing the closeness of His spiritual family.
• II Peter 1:1
• There are many clubs and groups to be involved with. Take advantage of the people in this room! Spend time with the people that you have the most important things in common with.

James 3

James 3:1-12

• James 3:1 – Be careful about being teachers. We have plenty of authority to teach, but we must be careful with that responsibility.
• James 3:2 – If you can control your tongue, you are doing well! This is something we must constantly work on.
• James 3:3 – Proverbs 20:21 – Speech is powerful!
• James 3:6 – A single word or sentence can have enormous consequences.
• James 3:7-8 – We can control so many creatures, but not the tongue.

James 3:13-18

• James 3:13 – Wisdom is shown by good behavior.
• James 3:17
  • Pure – wisdom that is true
  • Peace-loving – not inclined to break the peace unless necessary.
  • Reasonable – able to be reasoned with
  • Full of mercy – Mercy is not weakness. Our example is God’s mercy.
  • Impartiality – without prejudice or bias
• James 3:18 – Peacemakers create the fruit of righteousness.

Introduction

• I Corinthians 14; Acts 20:7 – It’s God’s will that local churches assemble. Buildings are authorized under this general authority.

Let’s keep our focus on the spiritual.

• Matthew 23:5, 23-24

Let’s thank God for the building.

• Acts 2:46; 3:11; 5:12 – Where did the first Christians meet? Solomon’s portico.
• Isn’t the need for a new building a wonderful problem to have?
• Many brethren in the world do not enjoy such comforts.

Let’s not compromise the gospel to fill the pews.

• Galatians 1:10

Wherever we worship, let’s try to do it well.

• Philippians 4:17

In matters of judgment, let us practice love.

• Romans 14:13
• Let us be kind, patient, and loving.