How often have you begun a statement with the words, “I think?” Those words are commonly used to express our opinion about how we believe we should be able to conduct our lives.
List a few things that people are often very opinionated about.
What happens when our opinions run contrary to God’s standard for our lives (John 12:48)? Why should God have the right to rule over us and tell us what to do? Why should we listen and submit to God’s word?
Because of Who We Are
Read the following passages and note what you learn about yourself in these verses.
- Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 45:9; Colossians 1:15-17
- Jeremiah 10:23
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
- 2 Corinthians 5:10
Because of Who God Is
- God is the Creator (Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 45:9; Colossians 1:15-17). What are the implications of this?
- God is the Law Giver (James 1:25)? Has there ever been a time when God had no expectations for mankind?
- God is love (1 John 4:16; John 3:16). What should God’s love compel us to do?
- God is the Judge (John 12:48; Ecclesiastes 12:14). By whose standard will God judge us?
Because of What God Has Said
- What has God said about homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)?
- What has God said about abortion (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41; Revelation 21:8)?
- What has God said about divorce (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-9)?
- What has God said about forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)?
- What has God said about anger (Ephesians 4:26-27)?
- What has God said about lust (Matthew 5:27-28)?
If we truly respect God’s authority and trust Him, what will we do in these matters?
