Quiet times 9.19.11
0 likes106 views
This document provides the daily Quiet Times readings for September 19-23, 2011. The overarching theme is "The Attitude of Christ: Dying to Self." Each day's reading discusses an aspect of dying to one's old, sinful self and living for Christ instead. Key points include putting off the old self and putting on the new self in Christ, taking up one's cross daily to follow Christ, and pressing toward the goal of eternal life in heaven as an Olympic athlete strives for the gold medal. Scripture memorization and sharing with others are encouraged each day.
Quiet times 9.19.11
- 1. This week's Quiet Times: September 19-23, 2011 The Attitude of Christ: Dying to Self MONDAY When we were baptized in Christ, we were baptized into his death and resurrection to live for righteousness and not for sin. Being baptized meant that the old self was no longer going to live, but die. If our old ways are dead, then we have no reason to look back on our old life, since we have died to it. Examine Luke 9:57-62. In verse 62 Jesus says, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God." What does Christ mean by "looking back"? If you’re plowing a field and decide to look back while plowing, would you still be able to plow a straight line? Now examine your own life. Is it possible to live a godly life and yet desire the worldly life you once had? Write Matthew 6:33 on an index card and memorize it. Call a brother/sister and share with them how you are seeking first these things in your life. TUESDAY When we watch the news, there are many unfortunate cases of people dying painful deaths; from things like shootings to fires. In these deaths people are forced to be in pain and agony while they die. Most of us would say we would never want to die that way, yet far too many of us are dying that way in our Christianity. We are trying to hold onto our old way of life and still follow Christ. By holding on to your old way of life you make living for Christ a painful process, when it should be a joy to live for Christ. Examine Phil 3:7-8. What was Paul’s attitude about his old life? How did Paul feel about his knowledge of Christ? How do you view your Christian life? Are you proud to be a Christian? Paul clearly saw that it is better to be a Christian than be a sinner. Can you say the same thing about yourself? Write John 17:3 on an index card and memorize it. See to it that you know your Savior! Get together with a brother/sister and pray to depend totally on God and not on anything in the world.
- 2. WEDNESDAY Read Eph 4:22-24. From these verses we can see two main points. The first point being that the old self must be put off. The scriptures teach that our old self was corrupted by its deceitful desires. We need to treat our old self as old clothes that we are ashamed to be seen in. The second point is that the new self must be put on. Romans 13:14 says to clothe yourself with Christ. What type of clothes are you wearing? Write Isaiah 61:10 on an index card and memorize it. When you wake up each day and get dressed, take time to pray to God and ask him to clothe you will clothes that will help your light shine. THURSDAY In the Bible the cross was used as an instrument of death. With that in mind examine closely Luke 9:23-27. What does it mean to take up one’s cross? The taking up of the cross represents a total commitment of your life to Christ. Cross- bearing is a willingness to suffer and die for the Lord's sake. At the end of verse 23 it says, "and follow Me". This implies that Christ's death would be by crucifixion and by following Christ we must be willing die like Christ. Write Romans 6:1-4 on a index card and memorize it. When you wake up each morning pray to God that you will have the strength to carry your cross today. FRIDAY What type attitude does an Olympic athlete have in regards to obtaining a gold medal? What must he/she do in order to win? Examine Phil 3:12-14. As Christ servants we set our goals to be that of what Christ wants from us. We should let Christ direct our steps and not us direct Christ's steps. From verse 13 we can see that we need to forget about our sinful past and look forward to what is ahead. In the end, after pressing on toward the goal, we can all share in the reward of everlasting life. Write 1 John 4:17 on an index card and memorize it. Call a brother or sister and encourage them to press on towards the goal of love, just as Paul encouraged us (Colossians 3:14). Picture above is from http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/faith-life-bliss/dying- to-self/