By Gale Nelson
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2021
Lesson Scripture(s): Philippians 1:25-27
Tags: #intentionality #lifestyle #conduct #messaging

Let your life reflect what you believe: the best sermon is one lived.

KEY LESSON TERMS

• Intentionality: to be deliberate; purposeful.
• Preoccupation: engrossed; fixated; extremely concern with something.
• Preeminence: surpasses everything else
• Apology: an acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some improper or injurious remark.
• Apologia (in the Greek): a defense or answer in a speech (see 1 Peter 3:15)

LESSON AT A GLANCE

• We should rejoice in our faith!

• Faith can be increased in Jesus Christ (not in the world)

• Our lifestyle should reflect the gospel (what you believe)

○ How can we evangelize if our behavioral patterns do not speak well of us?

• We should be intentional about…

○ Who we hang around
○ Who we intend to marry
○ Our souls: what am I doing to remain edified?

• Our intentions are predicated on what we value? Colossians 1:18

○ There is one church, with one head
○ "The firstborn from the dead"… he died for our sins, he was the ransom/payment

• Preoccupation vs. Preeminence

○ Jesus Christ should be preeminent: our number 1.
○ Our #1 slot should never change no matter what you do.

• There is a thought process for intentionality…we have a choice!

○ Recognition: know who Christ is

• "might have preeminence" means it is not automatic
• we have to hold Christ in high regard; he is all we need

○ Reverence: once you see him, show him the proper respect

• People who call themselves "Reverend" do not recognize the authority of Christ
• Holy and reverend is HIS name (see Psalm 111:9)
• The word "reverend" in the Hebrew means awesome
• We should render obeisance to him

○ Relationship: once you recognize the reverence, then you choose the relationship

• Jesus Christ, I surrender all
• I choose to become a Christian

○ This thought process applies occupationally, domestically, and spiritually

• Use Wisdom… There is a difference (see James 3:13-18)

○ The wise will show it with a good conversation (intentional living)

○ Earthly, worldly, sensual (attractive to the flesh) is wisdom not from above; it is where jealousy, envy, and bitterness lies.

○ Sensuality and denying yourself are polar opposites.

○ Wisdom from above: there will be conflict, but things can be done peacefully.


CALL TO ACTION
• The Choice is Yours… Joshua 24:15
• Stop Using Maybe: Let Your Yay be Yay… James 5:12
• Be Intentional about a Relationship with God... https://miamigardenscoc.net/salvation.php
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RECOMMENDED LINKS
* The Same Old Song, Part 1: https://youtu.be/UKCH1VN8xTs
* The Same Old Song, Part 2: https://youtu.be/8t9678WOU4Y
* Intentionality and the Christian, Part 2: https://youtu.be/BHwG2tF-LZw
* Website: https://www.miamigardenscoc.net