Tuesday - August 23, 2016

Woodlawn Family Bible Study
TUESDAY

BIBLE READING:  Hebrews 13:1-19

 What would you do? You consider yourself a happily married man, but the waitress at the coffee shop you frequent is very attractive and very flirtatious.  Every day when you go in to pick up your latté, the two of you seem to strike up a conversation.  It started off as cordial small talk, like “How are you today?” or “What do think about this weather?” However, now it has progressed to some very provocative and very suggestive exchanges.  You know this is getting uncomfortable, yet you continue to stay longer and longer; talking more and more. To make things worse, the two of you seem to have some connection.  You play it off as innocent behavior until one night she asks you to have your daily coffee at her house. What do you do?

  1. You go and enjoy yourself
  2. You go and leave if things get “too hot.”
  3. You brush her off and say “Maybe next time.”
  4. You find a new coffee shop.

Before you answer, envision your spouse in a similar situation.  Does that change your answer?  You see, when we take a look at things from a different view, our perspective changes.  What may have seemed harmless to us, might be considered condemning, dangerous and even sinful in the eyes of God.  

 John calls those who are members of the body of Christ, the “Bride” of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 9).  That means we are married to Jesus!  When we flirt with the things of the world (anger, lust, greed or pride, etc.), Christ may very well feel the same way we would about our spouse’s relationship with the server of the coffee shop.  James writes “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). When we give in to sin, we are viewed as committing adultery on God.  

 Application: While it may be difficult, try looking at your actions from God’s perspective, rather than your own. In the meantime, let’s do our best to avoid the “coffee shops” of the world.

 Prayer Requests

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more