The 12 Principles of a Committed Disciple

·        WALKS WITH INTEGRITY, HONESTY, IS GENUINE AND JUST!

·        RESTRAINS THE TONGUE THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL!

·        WORKS AND LIVES FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUTH!

·        MODELS CHRIST’S LOVE TO THOSE AROUND THEM!

·        SPEAKS FROM THE HEART WITH LOVE!

·        DOES NOT SLANDER AND LIE OR LISTEN TO IT!

·        DOES NOT DO EVIL OR REPROACH TO OTHERS!

·        DESPISES UNGODLINESS!

·        HONORS PEOPLE WHO FEAR AND RESPECT THE LORD!

·        DOES NOT TAKE BRIBES OR REWARDS AGAINST THE INNOCENT!

·        ALLOWS THE HOLY SPRIT TO DIRECT THEIR LIFE!

·        SWEARS TO THEIR OWN OATH AND KEEPS PROMISES!

THOSE WHO DO THESE THINGS WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN!!!

1. How well can you relate to these principles from Psalm 15?
2. Can you think of practical ways to demonstrate these principles in your life?
3. What about ways to demonstrate these principles to others around you? So that it effects ‘who you are’ in your personality and deeds. In doing so you not only hear what God says; but truly listen and apply His “principles” in all that you do?

JUST LISTENING AND NOT DOING IS WRONG: BUT TO OBEY WHAT THE WORD OF GOD REVEALS IN PSALM 15 IS BEING A “REAL” DISCIPLE!

            Being “saved” is being justified by faith for what Christ has done for us. This assures us of eternal life, but is that all? Is there more to the story? No, by Grace; yes by obedience! A criticism of Christians is that they are hypocrites; they like to take the “cheap grace” and then live their lives as if nothing that Christ did really mattered. The criticism goes on to say that Christians just seek salvation like a “fire insurance policy” against going to Hell. Thus, their lives do not show any ‘”real” commitment of being a disciple. What do you think? Do your thoughts mesh with Psalm 15 and the rest of Scripture?

           Because of Grace we may be able to “dwell in the Lord’s Sanctuary” and place our home “on His Holy Hill,” but what good will it be? If we do not show our gratitude and obedience for what He has done, by living out His principles!

“He who does these things will never be shaken.”

How can I improve my spiritual walk so I can be the person who models Psalm 15?

 Principals of a Practical Christian Discussion Q’S:  

1.         Look at each of these “Principals” and answer how you have applied these to yourself, your family, your friends, and people in general?  

2.            How have you not applied these traits to your life? 

3.            How are these “Principals” practical? 

4.             What can you do to institute a lifestyle where you are living the life of a “La Vida Loca?” NOT!! The life of a practical Christian? 

5.             Specifically at your school, at home, when you are buying shoes….? 

6.              What would the consequences be in life and in your relationships with people and in your relationship with God if you did NOT live the life of a practical Christian?  

7.             READ Philippians 4:4-9; (pay close attention to verse 6); How does this passage help you apply the traits of Psalm 15?  

8.              Write a letter to yourself telling where you are as far as being “spiritually serious”; that is your commitment to Christ and the “Principals” in you life today; be serious and honest! And then where would you like to be at the end of the school year, that is your goals for spiritual growth?         

            Spend at least 10 minutes on this letter, if you do not have enough time to finish it, then take it and finish it at home, place it in a sealed envelope addressed to yourself. (IF you do this at home give it to Richard Sunday) Richard will keep them safe and UN-opened and will mail them to you at the close of the school year!  

9.             At home on your own, read the book of James and ask yourself as you read, how can I do this.  Then go before our Lord and seek His face in earnest devotion and ask How can I live the way I should, how can I model your character?  

10.         Junior High Practical application: When washing your cat try not to use your own tongue, see if your friends will help you! For the more mature, keep a diary and record any differences between how people treat you when you followed the Principals and when you did not. Keep in mind the more far off you were in your behaviors the more time it may take to see a positive effect.

            Need help? Of course you do, we all do! This is one of the roles of the Holy Spirit. So commit yourself in prayer to Him and make a commitment to strive with all of your strength and with His guidance to implement these principles!

 What are the results? Usually when we treat others well they reciprocate and treat us well too.