How I Should Conduct Myself
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With the missionary work God’s called me to do, He’d like me to lead by example.
So, He gave me a few instructions to follow to keep me on the straight path and lead a righteous life, full of integrity.
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- You must work for your God only. Do not partner with third parties (agents, producers, investors, etc.) unless commanded by Me.
The Temple of the Living God
14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them
and walk among them.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.
Don’t touch their filthy things,
and I will welcome you.
18 And I will be your Father,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”– 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)Partnering with Unbelievers
Paul urges believers not to form partnerships with unbelievers because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards. It would be a mismatch. Earlier, Paul had explained that this did not mean isolating oneself from unbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5:9, 10). Paul even urges Christians to stay with their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12, 13). He wanted believers to be active in their witness for Christ to unbelievers but not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that could cause them to compromise their faith. Believers should do everything in their power to avoid situations that could force them to divide their loyalties.
These verses also have strong application to marriage. Paul did not want single believers to enter into marriage with unbelievers. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life–commitment and obedience to God. Because marriage involves two people becoming one, faith may become an issue, and one spouse may have to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity. Many people discount this problem only to regret it later. Don’t allow emotion or passion to bind you with someone who will not be your spiritual partner. For those who have discovered God’s light, there can be no fellowship or compromise with darkness (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
– 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Study Note (NLT)War with Moab, Ammon, and Edom
Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, “Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your work.” So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.
– 2 Chronicles 20:37 (NLT)Disastrous Alliances
Jehoshaphat met disaster when he joined forces with wicked King Ahaziah. He did not learn from his disastrous alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:28-34) or from his father’s alliance with Aram (2 Chronicles 16:2-9). The partnership stood on unequal footing because one man saved the Lord and the other worshiped idols. We court disaster when we enter into partnerships with unbelievers because our very foundations differ (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
While one serves the Lord, the other does not recognize God’s authority. Inevitably, the one who serves God is faced with the temptation to compromise values. When that happens, spiritual disaster results.
Before entering into partnerships, ask (1) What are my motives? (2) What problems am I avoiding by seeking this partnership? (3) Is this partnership the best solution, or is it only a quick solution to my problem? (4) Have I prayed or asked others to pray for guidance? (5) Are my partner and I really working toward the same goals? (6) Am I willing to settle for less financial gain in order to do what God wants?
– 2 Chronicles 20:37 Study Note (NLT) - You must not have willful pride.
The Lord Despises Pride
The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished.
– Proverbs 16:5 (NLT) - You must not work with the Hollywood film industry, unless commanded by Me.
People Can Rationalize Anything
“People may be pure in their own eyes.” People can rationalize anything if they have no standards for judging right and wrong. We can always “prove” that we are right. Before putting any plan into action, ask yourself these questions: Is this plan in harmony with God’s truth? Is my attitude pleasing to God?
– Proverbs 16:2 Study Note (NLT) - You must not have a wagging tongue.
Controlling the Tongue
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
– James 3:5-6 (NLT) - You must complete the tasks given to you by the Lord your God.
The Lord Rejects Saul
10 Then the Lord said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night.
– 1 Samuel 15:10-11 (NLT)The Lord Rejects Saul
But Samuel replied,
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”– 1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT) - You must not reject My commandments or I will reject you.
The Lord Rejects Saul
“Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?”
– 1 Samuel 15:19 (NLT)The Lord Rejects Saul
“Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”– 1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT)The Lord Rejects Saul
But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
– 1 Samuel 15:26 (NLT)Saul Pleads for Forgiveness
“And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!”
– 1 Samuel 15:29 - You must not be greedy for worldly praise over the approval of the Lord your God.
Living the New Life
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
– Colossians 3:5-8 (NLT) - Do not depend on your own understanding.
Trust in the Lord
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) - You must enter a day of rest when commanded by Me.
The Rebellion of Israel
And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy.
– Ezekiel 20:12 (NLT) - Be still, and know that I am God.
Be Still and Honor God
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”– Psalm 46:10 (NLT)