My Future As A Christian

Lesson 13

Now that I am a Christian, my life and my future are more important than ever. I need to give special consideration to what I am going to do with the rest of my life.

Jesus taught that a man must plan for the future, Luke 14:27-33. A man must consider the consequences before he acts. Just like the builder in the parable, I must give thought to what I am doing before I begin. I want to be a successful, fruitful and faithful servant of God. To achieve that, I must give consideration to the areas listed below.

I.    I NEED TO RESOLVE NOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN FOR LIFE.

A.  I Cannot Please God Any Other Way.

1.   Jesus taught that I must keep the word with patient faithfulness, Luke 8:11-15.

2.   God has always required continuing in faith as men serve him, Hebrews 3:17-19.

B.  Some Other Scriptures That Will Help Me.

1.   Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:3-9.

2.   All of these scriptures emphasize the great blessings that are to come to me as a Christian.

3.   All of these are mine at the end. That is why I plan to be a faithful Christian for life.

II.   SOME FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS.

A.  What Kind Of Person Will I Marry?

1.   What are the benefits of marrying a Christian? What are some disadvantages to marrying an unbeliever?

2.   The person I marry will have a great deal of bearing on my personal happiness in life.

B.  What About The Rearing Of Children?

1.   I must plan to raise them right, Proverbs 22:16; Ephesians 6:4.

2.   I must consider their spiritual welfare in all decisions I make.

C.  What About Moving To A Different City?

1.   Moves are sometimes brought about because of a job, family considerations, etc.

2.   What will I do if I move my family into a city where there is no church?

3.   What are some difficulties that might be encountered?

D.  What About Vacation Times?

1.   Can I take a vacation from the Lord?

2.   How can I plan a vacation and still be faithful to God?

3.   What should I do with my contribution while I am on vacation?

III.  WHAT ABOUT MY PERSONAL GROWTH IN SERVICE TO GOD?

A.  Christian Always Has Room For Growth.

1.   I live a life of striving for higher goals, Philippians 3:13-14.

2.   I want to prepare myself for God’s use, 2 Timothy 2:21.

B.  I Need Goals For My Personal Growth.

1.   I need to grow not only in knowledge but also in spiritual strength, 2 Peter 3:18.

2.   What do I plan to know in one (five, ten) year(s) that I don’t know now?

3.   What kind of study habits do I need to gain knowledge?

C.  I Need Goals For Developing My Abilities.

1.   If I really want to be of service to God, I need to begin now to equip myself with the necessary qualifications.

2.   Some areas of service to consider: elder, elder’s wife, deacon, deacon’s wife, teacher, helper to the sick, etc.

3.   It is good to consider what you want to do, while you are yet at an early point in your service to God.

a.   One reason for the lack of elders and deacons in many churches today is that the young men in these congregations did not consider these works while they were young.

b.   There are many 60 year old men in churches who were converted 30 years ago, but are not qualified to be elders today because they were not thinking ahead. They did not set goals for growth and service.

Conclusion:  It is necessary to plan for the future now.  Without preparation, I will be the victim of circumstances, rather than a good steward of my time and resources. My aim is to give glory to God in all that I say and do. I want to be a servant who bears fruit for God, John 15:8.

Setting Some Personal Goals:

Make a list of at least five things you would like to accomplish as a Christian. Set some personal goals for yourself.  Consider some work or function you would like to attain. Maybe you would like to be a teacher, a deacon, or an elder, or a deacon’s wife, etc. Additionally, think about some things you might do in relation to your brethren apart from serving as a deacon, etc. Also, consider some goals for personal growth and knowledge. Don’t forget to give some consideration to family goals. Give a lot of thought to this. If you come up with more than five goals that is good.

1.                                                                                                                                               

2.                                                                                                                                               

3.                                                                                                                                               

4.                                                                                                                                               

5.                                                                                                                                               

Now, how do you plan to reach each of the goals you have set? On the lines listed below, write down some specific actions to take to reach each of the corresponding goals. Think of some of the obstacles you will face and how you will overcome them.

1.                                                                                                                                               

2.                                                                                                                                               

3.                                                                                                                                               

4.                                                                                                                                               

5.                                                                                                                                               

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.