Looking at the Outcome

TEXT: Colossians 3:17-25; Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; James 4:15

Every day of our lives should be lived in the center of God’s will. Measuring our daily actions by the Word of God will show us whether we are drawing closer to God or moving farther away. If we daily ask God to show us His will, and then follow His will, we can be sure of God’s blessing, and that He will be honored by the outcome of our lives.

QUESTIONS

1. According to our text in Colossians 3:17,23, what is supposed to be the motivating factor in a Christian’s life? In what manner is this to be accomplished?
2. Any act on our part that would cause a brother to stumble spiritually or to become offended is not good. See Romans 14:21. Scripture indicates that an opposite course of action is the responsibility of the Christian, and that conduct of this kind will bring about the outcome desired by God. What is this opposite course of action? See Romans 14:19.
3. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we read the phrase, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.” The word expedient means “useful, or helpful to attain some end.” In light of this definition, how does the phrase apply to a Christian’s life?
4. Name some ways one might be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). What would be the likely adverse outcome of a Christian’s putting himself into such a situation?
5. After reading 1 Thessalonians 5:22, explain what a Christian should do about evil. Name several ways this can be accomplished.
6. The Bible says, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9). Make a list of things that are evil which a Christian encounters almost daily. How should we go about avoiding the evils that have been listed?
7. In your own words explain how James tells us to plan for tomorrow (James 4:15). Why is this important?
8. Knowing that 2 Corinthians 5:10 is true, why is it so important to look at the outcome of our daily living?