You Rule? Live Your Life God's Way

Aug 5

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 55:6-11
Romans 3:10; 3:23
Exodus 19:5
Proverbs 6:16; 2:10-15; 19:22
Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 4:8-9

Digging Deeper

Throughout history, believers have aspired to live God’s way. Consider a few of the awe-inspiring examples of faith we have been blessed with: Mother Teresa, who loved and championed the poor and oppressed; Dr. Martin Luther King, who demonstrated leadership and courage in the face of oppression; Martin Luther, who challenged the theological norms of his time and sparked the Protestant Reformation; John Wesley, who dedicated his life to living accountably and God-honoring; and Billy Graham, who shared his faith and led many to salvation through his large crusades.

Like these giants of the faith, we also want to grow and deepen our faith as we live God’s way. Ways that we can become stronger disciples are:

Pray
Read the Bible and obey what it teaches.
Practice generosity
Worship
Serve
Be in community
Share your faith

The best example of living God’s way is how Jesus, the Savior of the World, lived his life. The Bible teaches that Jesus depended on the Father for everything and did not rely on himself. In John 5:19, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things."

As believers, we are not left to navigate the path of living God's way alone. We are blessed with the example of Jesus, who lived His life entirely relying on the Father. Moreover, we have the Holy Spirit, a constant guide in our lives, teaching us how to be disciples of Jesus and live in God’s way.

As we strive to live our lives in God’s way, let us remember that our words, actions, and attitudes reflect not just ourselves but also Christ's light and love. We, as believers, living God’s way have the responsibility to bring glory to His name in all we do.

What Not To Miss

Key Points:

None are righteous. (Romans 3:10)
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
If you obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you will be my treasure. (Exodus 19:5)
To sin less and please God more, we are to decrease by not leaning to our own understanding but instead acknowledging God and what he likes and dislikes and choosing to do it His way as we follow Him.

Key Questions:

Do you believe in God?
Is God’s way right?
Are you willing to align with God’s word?

The Six Things that God Hates (Proverbs 6:16)

A proud look.
A lying tongue.
Hands that shed innocent blood.
A heart that devises wicked plans.
Feet that are swift in running to evil.
False witness who speaks lies.
One who sows discord among the brethren.

Wisdom (Proverbs 2:10-15)

It needs to enter your heart.
It needs to be pleasant to your soul.
If you have wisdom, discretion will preserve you, and understanding will keep you.
If you have wisdom, you will be delivered from the way of evil and the man who speaks perverse things.
If you have wisdom, you will be delivered from those who walk in darkness, rejoice in doing evil, are crooked, and are devious in their paths.

What is desirable in a person is kindness. (Proverbs 19:22)

Meditate on these things: (Philippians 4:8-9)

Whatever is true.
Whatever is noble.
Whatever is just.
Whatever is pure.
Whatever is lovely.
Whatever is of good report.
Whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

Life Application

As we strive to live God’s way, take time this week to hear from God in the simple moments of the day—in the sun's warmth, the beauty of nature, and the kindness of others. Write down examples of God's presence in your life and how you have seen God working in all things and through circumstances you have faced. Give praise and gratitude to God for all He has done and continues to do in your life.

Small Group Discussion Questions

What is a significant success that you have achieved in your lifetime?
How is life lived God’s Way?
What do we learn about God in Isaiah 55:6-11?
What are belivers to meditate on and why?
What is the fruit of the Spirit, and how does it empower believers?

Daily Devotional Bible Passages

Day 1: Calling on the Lord-Psalm 18:6; Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 33:3
Day 2: Seeking the Lord-Psalm 34:4-7; 2 Timothy 2:22; Matthew 11:28-30
Day 3: Returning to the Lord-James 5:16; Hebrews 8:12; Jeremiah 24:7
Day 4: Provision of the Lord-1 Peter 5:7; Romans 6:23; Psalm 138:7
Day 5: Salvation from the Lord-John 3:16; Romans 10:13; 2 Corinthians 6:2

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come to You today seeking guidance and wisdom as I desire to live my life Your way. I am thankful that I can surrender all my plans and desires to Your perfect will and rest knowing that Your timing and direction are perfect and that You provide limitless understanding and guidance. Help me to listen to You and have a humble heart, always seeking Your will above my own. May I bring glory and honor to Your name through my thoughts, words, and actions.