God's view:
Eccl. 12:13-14
; 1 Pet. 1:17
; 1 John 4:11
, 19
; Heb. 12:5-10
;Phil.
2:12-13 - Successfully facing and dealing with specific problems
is only the beginning of living a godly life. Focus must remain
on God's standards for continuing toward Christlikeness. Accordingly,
one must evaluate the whole of one's life constantly conforming
to God's standards.
Hope:
Isa. 40:8
; Acts 10:34-35
; John 14:21
;15:10-11; 1 John 3:22
-God's
standards are always consistent and are never subject to the whim
of the moment. They are the same for all individuals, in all cultures,
and at all age levels, regardless of personality or background.
Keeping God's commandments, having reverence and awe of God, is
the key to fruitfulness.
Ps. 145:17 ; Jere. 29:11-17 ; Deut. 11:8-9 ; James 1:22-25 -God's plan for you are for your benefit and have as their goal your maturity in Christ. If you keep God's commandments, He will bless you; otherwise, you will be subject to discipline.
Matt. 11:28-30 ; Joshua 1:8-9 ; Ps. 103:1-5 ; Isa. 40:29-31 ; Eph. 1:13-14 ; Phil. 2:12-13 -God's standards are not burdensome for He will strengthen, uphold, and keep you from stumbling as you walk in His ways, cooperating with the changes He is accomplishing in your life.
Change:
Rom. 13:1-3
, 12-14
; Eph. 6:10-18
-Put-off deeds of darkness,
put-on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for fleshly
lusts. Put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of
the devil.
Rom. 5:3-5 ; Matt. 5:10-12 ; 1 Pet. 4:12-19 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 -Do not be surprised at trials, even if they seem fiery. Instead, rejoice because God uses them to develop Christlike maturity in your life. Be prepared to be reviled and to suffer persecution. You will be blessed when you do.
Gal. 5:22-23
; Eph. 1:4
;4:1
, 17
; Eph. 6:9
; Col. 3:12-24
; 1 Tim. 4:7-8
;
2 Pet. 1:2-10
-Establish and maintain biblical standards that will
encourage you and your children toward godliness. Identify godly
traits that need to be developed along with corresponding biblical
responsibilities and activities which will demonstrate Christlikeness.
Review the following questions to determine what activities need to be eliminated: