A Balanced Life

 

Introduction

A.    Initial text of today’s lesson found in Eccl. 1:13 & 2:3

1.    Both of these passages express the search that common to all men to find out what good for a man to do all days of his life.

2.    Many of us seeking peace, contentment, & true real happiness.

3.    Look for this happiness in a variety of ways.

B.    Some pour $$$ into hobbies/recreation/certain religions/jobs but never find what they are looking for.

C.   While seeking the happy, secure life, ….many worried about their future.

1.    Y 2 K – just a few weeks away.  Will life as we know it come to end on 1 Jan?  many stockpiling, hoarding $$$, etc.

2.    Freaks of nature such as e’quakes; hurricanes; blizzards interpreted by many as signs from God that the end is near.

3.    As God being taken out of society….more and more generations growing up w/a lessened realization of Him and as a result turning to cults, fringe religions, and apathy.

D.   1997 – small California cult (Heaven’s gate) commits mass suicide.  Led by charismatic leader who said to escape world’s worries they must catch ride to heaven on a spaceship behind the hail bob comet.

1.           some religious leaders calling for tribulation/battle of Armageddon w/the turn of the century.

2.           Many up in arms over these things…which effects their overall happiness & emotional well being.

E.    Situation today much like the Gentiles of 1st century.  B/f coming to Christ, Paul mentions them as being tossed to & fro by every wind of doctrine.

1.    Eph. 4:11-16

2.    Some today (even some godfearing) just like Gentiles – being tossed to & fro w/different teachings. 

a)    fall in & out w/various religions – all while absorbing false teaching mixed in w/a few Bible verses.

b)    worry greatly a/b future dates/events – some quit & have given up on Jesus totally.

3.    If we not careful….we can fall into this trap….It can eat at our happiness and knock our lives out of balance.

F.    Since the majority of us looking for a balanced life we must remember that in order to obtain the goal we seek – we must grow up in Christ!

1.     Back to Eph 4:15-16 – key to balanced life is to b/c a better Christian!  Serving God WILL bring happiness to one’s life!

2.     Note also Phil. 4:4-9…

a)    Note: be anxious for nothing….unlike many today!

b)    The drawing near to God through prayer, meditation, & application of Christian virtues will cause one to have happiness in this life.

3.     Bottom line:  one must have spiritual priorities in check to have balanced life.

G.   Going to spend rest of lesson looking at important things we need to consider along this line.

 

II.              How May One Have a Balanced Life?

A.    By placing our hopes/trusts on a higher plane – a spiritual plane.

1.         Life presents it’s share of problems, trials, heartaches, temptations.  Through all of this we must learn to put our trust in God.

2.         Must let our hope of et life motivate us as it did Paul & 1st century Christians.

a)    Titus 1:2

b)    2 Tim. 1:12

1)    This hope motivated Paul to keep on going despite all the trials, pain, suffering.

2)    The promise of Christ comes to mind in Jhn. 14:1-4 comes to mind.

3.         As we deal w/the curves that life throws out at us….we MUST continually seek the kingdom first!

a)    Mt. 6:33 – God will be there for us! 

b)    See 6:19-21 – this made easier if we have priorities in right place.

c)    Sometimes…we get knocked down!  Get up!

4.         Consider also Rom. 8:31-39.

a)    as we live our lives….if we have come to Him….God is on our side & will take care of us.

b)    See esp. 8:35-39.

c)    Have you placed your trust in God?  You need to do your part & leave the rest to Him.

5.         Do Your Best & God Will Take Care of the Rest.

B.    By ridding oneself of immoral practices.

1.    nothing destroys joy & brings depression faster than guilt form sin & the resulting separation from God.

a)    Passage in Jhn. 8:32-36 true.

b)    Whoever commits sin = a slave of sin. 

2.    sin has a binding effect on one’s life.  As soon as it takes control….spiritual priorities take a backslide.  Suddenly it easy to de emphasize religion/God in our life.

a)    Jhn. 3:20-21

b)    Perhaps this why some in a world of hurt today.  Don’t want to come to realization of sinful things in their life.

3.    However – if one wishes to have balanced life (one where happiness/contentment rules) he will rid himself of immoral (sinful) practices.

a)    Col. 3:1-2, 5-11

b)    Put off old man w/his deeds.

4.    must look to avoid tempting situations – that can lead us to destruction.

5.    Note Col. 3:12-15 – how does one obtain peace, happiness in this life – by putting on the new man!

a)    see esp 3:15 – the peace of God rule in your hearts.

b)    Treat sin seriously – avoid it at all costs.

C.   A balanced life is obtained by building a spiritual relationship w/God.

1.    How can we do this?

a)    1 Thess. 5:17-21- by setting time for prayer/Bible study.

b)    See also Phil. 4:6-7.

c)    Key = prayerful relationship w/God.

2.    Spiritual relationships built through Bible study.

a)    one of the greatest problems people have today is lack of study.

b)    This = why many carried to/fro in every form of doctrine.  They don’t realize need for growth that comes through Bible Study.

c)    2 Tim. 2:15 – not needing to be ashamed….This = individual responsibility!

3.    Must build our spiritual relationships upon the rock that is Jesus Christ.

a)    Mt. 7:24-25

b)    Why many not happy?  Why many not yet obtained a balanced life?  They’ve built on something other than Jesus!  7:26-27

4.    Building spiritual relationship must b/c a top priority in our lives!

a)    Eph. 5:15-17 – must redeem the time we’ve been given.

b)    We all accountable to God for the time we spend in this life.  How are you spending it?  Are you building yourself up spiritually?

5.    2 Pet. 1:5-11 – steps to building listed here.

D.   A balanced life comes from living one day at a time.

1.     This = something that all of us need to get engrained in our minds.

a)    we start planning for this, that, everything.  If not turn out right….stress.

b)    point is:  we often worry about things we cannot possibly change!

c)    Worry about health, finances, career, children, social status, just about everything.

1)    stress – if not handled correctly….ruin life.

2)    Will destroy health…well being.

2.     Mt. 6:25-34 – worry one of the main problems that takes away peace of mind.

a)    must learn to enjoy each day for what it is!  Must learn to be content & place trust in God.

b)    Often get so caught up in worries/activities of this life – that we forget to thank God for the ways He blesses us each day!

3.     Js. 4:13-14 – we often so caught up w/so much in physical life that we fail to realize many of the things we worry about will matter nothing in eternity.

a)    keep in mind – your life = a vapor!

b)    One must life his life daily for the cause of Christ.

 

Conclusion

A.    I call your attention back to Eccl. 1:13 & 2:3

1.      Solomon spent great deal of time searching for happiness, contentment, and at the end came to realize the conclusion of the matter.

2.      Eccl. 12:9-14

B.    Remember Paul’s exhortation in Phil. 4:6-7.  Be anxious for nothing.

1.    by getting spiritual priorities in order – we can begin to have a balanced life.

2.    Not to be carried to & fro by every wind of doctrine. – Eph. 4:14

3.    But….seek to grow up in Christ – be strong in Him.  Placing our trust in him.

C.   Get on the right track by obeying gospel….if you haven’t already.

1.    H, B, R, C, B.

2.    Do it while opportunity yours.

3.    Obtain the balanced life you are looking for….one where you can find true happiness.

D.   Christians…who may be in sin….get back on track to a balanced life by repenting/confessing your sin.

E.    I N V I T A T I O N