Journey 2016 - Caution (1/9/16)

Word for today:  Caution

We are on this journey of Journey 2016 that we might know Christ more closely.  Last week we learned that we needed courage.  Today we are looking at passages that talk about caution.

1.  Be Strong and Courageous and Careful to Obey God:

Joshua 1:1-9 (NLT)

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2.  Know and Obey the Word of God:

Psalm 119 (NLT)

I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you. (verse 11)

My life constantly hangs in the balance,
    but I will not stop obeying your instructions.  (verse 109)

Guide my steps by your word,
    so I will not be overcome by evil.  (verse 133)

We get guidance for the journey by knowing God's Word and hiding it in our hearts.  We can depend on God's Word.  It will help us avoid danger.

3.  Apostle Paul warned Timothy to Be Cautious:

2 Timothy 3

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!  (verses 1-5)

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  (verses 14-16)

More instructions written to the Ephesians:

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  (Ch 2:8-9)

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  (Ch 4:1)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  (Ch 5:1-2)

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.   (Ch 5:15)

Summary: 

• We need to be cautious how we live as Christians.
• We need to live a life worthy of Christ as we follow His example.  
• We are exhorted to be careful how we live...that we live as wise people, not foolish.  
• We will find wisdom in God's Word, and if we live by His wisdom, we will draw others to Christ.  
• That is our goal:  to know Christ, to be more like Christ, and to draw others to Christ.