Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

5 Ways to Get God's Word into Your Life

a. By Receiving God's Word

Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no roots... Therefore consider carefully how you listen.

Luke 8:13, 18 (NIV)

It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off.

Hebrews 2:1 (Msg)

We forget 95% of what we hear within 72 hours. What's the best way to hold onto it? Take notes!

b. By Reading it

Happy is the one who reads this book.

Revelation 1:3

The main reason people don't understand the Bible is they just don't read it.

c. By Researching it

Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, Instead they find their joy in obeying the law of the Lord and they study it day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2 (GN)

d. By Remembering it

Nothing will do more for your Christian life than to develop the habit of Scripture memory.

Abide in my word.

John 15:7

e. By Reflecting on it

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV)

Simply put: think about it often

Avoid godless, foolish discussions that lead to more and more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16 (NLT)

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV)

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

How do you keep yourself morally pure?

A. By applying God's Word to my life
B. By reminding myself of my weaknesses
C. By choosing righteousness over evil
D. By developing good habits and discarding evil habits

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT)

Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him. Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15 (GW)

4 Questions to ask myself:

1. What is the benefit to me if I give in to the temptation?
2. What will it cost me if I give in to the temptation?
3. What is the benefit if I turn from the temptation?
4. What will it cost me if I turn from the temptation?

• You possess a powerful potential for change.
• Your confidence in your capability to cope with obstacles and to succeed in change is key to overcoming temptation.
• You are responsible for choosing and carrying out change.

As your pastor, I believe you can overcome temptation every time by developing the spiritual habits necessary for change which strengthens your spiritual growth.

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

2 Timothy 2:23 (NLT)

Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ.

Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ.

Why they are so harmful? Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that we will "shine like stars" in a dark and depraved world. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. Are you shining brightly, or are you clouded by complaining and arguing? Shine out for God.

You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business.

Proverbs 26:17 (Msg)

Use a quiet response to stop them
Seizing the ears of a stray dog is a good way to get bitten, and interfering in arguments is a good way to get hurt. Many times both arguers will turn on the person who interferes.

It is best simply to keep out of arguments that are none of your business. If you must become involved, try to wait until the arguers have stopped fighting and cooled off a bit. Then maybe you can help them mend their differences and their relationship.

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be willing to suffer wrong.

2 Timothy 2:24 (GW)

Enduring suffering at the hand of others is just part of ministry. The key is to remember an offense against you is an offense against Christ. So don’t take them personally.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

The ability to give gentle answers is a reflection of spiritual maturity. God desires to produce spiritual fruit within your heart so that you become godly.

He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth.

2 Timothy 2:25 (GW)

Endurance is not a choice, it is a way of life in Christ Jesus.

Here's what I am to endure as a minister of Christ:

1. I must know the Word of God to be able to interpret it.
2. I must refrain from talking foolishly.
3. I must keep myself morally pure.
4. I must not yield to temptation.
5. I must avoid being a party to a dispute.
6. I must demonstrate gentleness and patience.
7. I must humbly correct others.

I want to challenge you to make two commitments today. James said, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only."

1. I commit to teach someone else who is faithful these principles.
2. I commit to endure hardship as my choice in ministry.

Paul Said "you therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."