Overview: We must not be lured by the passions and perversions of this world, but strive to live after the likeness of Christ. Our utmost desire should not be to please the world in whatever manner that may be, but to please God by living a life in the pursuit of both holiness and love.

Directions: Today, we will examine four “reasonable responses” to the good news of the gospel. We will discover, not only how our actions can influence the world around us, but also how our love can strengthen the ties in which we share within the church.

The assurance of the believer:

1. Pain will not consume us.
2. Sin will not subdue us.
3. Death will not keep us.
4. God will forever save us.

Two main reasons for temptation:

1. To blend in for the purpose of avoiding confrontation.
2. To buy into the lie that such gratifications lead to much bliss.

Consequences of disobedience.

1. Physically broken.
2. Mentally broken.
3. Relationally broken.
4. Spiritually broken.

A faith community for the purpose of...

1. Sharing the love of Christ.
2. Modeling the love of Christ.
3. Experiencing the love of Christ.

Destination: As we conclude our time together, let us consider our response to a broken world and ask ourselves, will we be reasonable? I do not mean; will we be quick to judge the sins of others with an equal measure of hate? I mean, are we willing to respond in the manor to which we have been called, with both love and grace? In other words, we must guard our hearts from resentment and corruption and fill it with compassion and love.

Reflection: Use the private notes section below or your personal journal to put the message of these verses into your own words so you can communicate them with others.

Your voice matters! (see Mark 16:15)