HOW TO LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING
September 13-17, 2004

Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.

Psalm 90:12 (LB)

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

John 10:10 (Mes)

Seeking answers to life can be complicated without the proper priorities. Often we settle for less than what God wants. For example, instead of love we settle for sex, instead of significance we settle for success, instead of happiness we settle for laughter, instead of wealth we settle for money. God wants us to experience more for our lives than we can imagine. He wants us to live like we were dying. When we choose to do this, our perception of time changes. We begin truly valuing time more than just passing it from moment-to-moment. We become alive and break out of the deadness around us. We change our priorities and experience a better life. In this study, we will learn what Jesus teaches us about: "how to live like you were dying" so we can have a more significant life in the way God intended.

MONDAY

I MUST RISK DOING WHAT IS RIGHT.

[Your Objective: Challenge the group to live for what is right despite facing risks.]

In John 11:43, what did Jesus do that made Lazarus come to life in front of those present?

  • When we stand up for what is right in front of others, what do we risk and what is gained?
  • Name an incident when someone stood up for what was right and as a result, God was glorified.
  • How did this person react to the consequences, good or bad, for doing what was right?

According to 1 Peter 2:24, by Christ's death on the cross, what did Jesus want us to live for?

  • What are some of the factors that hinder or encourage us to do or live for what is right?
  • What are some of the ways we can overcome the challenges that prevent us from doing what is right?

Discipleship (Maturity) - As Jesus gave Lazarus new life, He called out to the Father in front of the people despite what others might have thought. As a result, Lazarus came to new life. Think of a challenging situation you face today that needs new life. Call out to God and ask Him for the strength and courage to do what is right. Then do it!

TUESDAY

I MUST REFINE MY PRIORITIES.

[Your Objective: Encourage every group member to examine and redefine his or her priorities.]

We read about Lazarus in John 12:1-2 soon after Jesus raised him from the dead. In whose honor was the dinner given, and by whom?

  • What do you think Lazarus' top priorities were at this time?
  • Since we do not know how many tomorrows we will have, why should relationships be high on our priority list?
  • How would you arrange the following relationships in order of importance: friends; Jesus Christ; family? What adjustments might be necessary to give Jesus His rightful place in our lives?

Read Mark 12:30-31. According to these verses, which commandment comes first?

  • How important are these commandments? Why do you think so?
  • How greatly are we to love God? What kind of commitments would it take to do this?
  • How are we to love others? What thoughts may need refining to achieve this kind of love?

Worship (Magnification) - If refining our priorities includes having better relationships, are you spending enough time to better those relationships? If we first give our time to God - in worship, in prayer and meditating in His Word - our other priorities will soon fall into place. What changes will you begin to make this week in order to spend more time with the Lord your God? As your priorities change, share the results with a group.

WEDNESDAY

I MUST REACH FOR ETERNITY.

[Your Objective: Learn how to focus on how we can help others reach for what matters.]

What does John 12:9-11 say was one result of raising Lazarus from the dead?

  • What do you think Lazarus might have thought about the Priests wanting to kill him? Do you think having already seen death helped him to continue telling his story?
  • How might living like you were dying allow a person to be free to live for Jesus and reach for eternity?

What awaits those who foolishly live for the moment and those who follow them, according to Psalm 49:13-14?

  • Why does it always seem easier to go for the short-term reward rather than for the long-term benefits?
  • Why can it be unfulfilling when we achieve only short-term objectives?
  • Discuss how people who have had an influence on history are known for pursuing the long-term benefits rather than short-term gains.

THURSDAY

Who does 2 Corinthians 5:15 say we should live for?

  • Why is it important to remember that Jesus rose for us as well as died for us?
  • How does a person live a life that pleases Christ?

What does Hebrews 9:27-28 say a person will face after death and what will Christ's sacrifice bring?

  • Why do people often consider the consequences of how they lived their life only when they are approaching death?
  • What positive results are we promised if we live in light of eternity?

Evangelism (Mission) - Reaching for eternity means asking Jesus to take control of our lives. This week turn one aspect of your life over to Jesus and see the result. How can this help you share the good news with others? What do you think your life would look like if you totally surrendered control of your life to Jesus?

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Conclude this study by challenging one another to make a commitment and live for God.]

The sermon in a sentence: “When I’m ready to die, then I get to start living”. Someday, we will all die. It’s a fact. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. When we try to appreciate His sacrifice for us, our lives are more focused on pleasing God and less on earthly things. What tomb are you trapped in that is stopping you from living like Lazarus? What risk must you take to start obeying God and come out of your personal tomb? What steps can you take to start living like God really wants?

Examine your life and evaluate what actions you must take to start living like it’s your last day on earth. Make a commitment to the group to change a priority from an earthly purpose to an eternal purpose by fulfilling something for God with significance.