Sunday School Lesson Outlines
A Life Worth Living
Life is not about an abundance of things, instead it is about things of abundance. Paul writes more about the happiness in our lives than any other Bible writer.
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." NASB
Romans 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. NASB
God's not going to ask you about how nice a car you drove or how high you went up the corporate ladder. NO! He's more interested in what's in your heart and what you're doing to bring others to him. In Jesus' words - a life worth living is a life worth giving away!
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." NASB
1 John 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. NASB
So why do so many Christians portray a life of sadness instead of reflecting the radiant happiness He promises. Life was not meant to just be endured, but to be enjoyed. We just have to follow simple guidelines that He lays out for us. Example: many things seem like fun but end up carrying a delayed penalty, and a heavy price. God instructs us on what to avoid so that we will not get hit later with shattered peace.
So to achieve this here are some guidelines:
1. ACCEPT SALVATION!
Romans 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. NASB
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. NASB
It's free and abundant. There is enough for everyone!
2. SPREAD THE LOVE.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. NASB
All new Christians receive the Holy Spirit of God, and he receives a little of each of these qualities (including love, joy and peace). This lifestyle change can help bring peace in relationships with others. Peace and joy are not by-products of obedience to the Laws of God. They are gifts!!! which flow from being genuinely happy in life, and happy toward those around you.
2. OTHERS NEED TO SEE THE CHANGE
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. NASB
We must let the (attitude) of God (govern) us. In every situation ask yourself, "Is this what Jesus would do?" By trying to be more like Him (God) we get closer to Him; and that happiness, joy and peace is just poured out upon us. No man can take this away from you!
3. BE JOYFUL IN TRIALS
Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in Heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." NASB
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. NASB
An abundant life is not always full of fun, smiles, joy and peace.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. NASB
Philippians 3:8-11 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. NASB
There are many that think they will be in Heaven but God will say I don't know you.
4. KNOW THAT YOU KNOW
Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'" NASB
Can you imagine! How sad that there are "Pharisee like" people. Many of whom are judgmental and still do works for no other reason but to make people think they're saved. I want to do things because I am saved.
5. CLAIM THE PROMISE
Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" NASB
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NASB
Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. NASB
Don't waste a day - There are opportunities in every day for us to be used, and receive the blessings of being a part of His great work.
6. PRAY
1 John 1:3 What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. NASB
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. NASB
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NASB
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. NASB
And guess what - he hears it! He is as close as you want Him to be - and that is what will make your Christian life worth living and full of abundantly great things!!! It will take your mind off of moaning, groaning and complaining; and you will develop His contagious abundant joy. This is because we have another promise in Romans 8:28 - And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Fellowship with God as a constant way of life which covers every word and deed.
You can live a rich, radiant, full, happy, joyful, abundant life. Just leave your old way of life behind. Go back to the source - and begin!! He is always waiting for you. It pleases Him to give us gifts, joy and happiness. More so than it does for us as parents to do the same for our children. Fellowship with God as a constant way of life that covers every word and deed.
Return To Sunday School Lesson Outlines