A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 1: I nt roduc t i on

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do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” [26] And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

B. Biblical concepts of excellence: defining the nature of a compelling testimony

“A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice based on the truth of God’s Word in Christ and in Scripture, where one’s life is lived in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of demonstrating a Christlike character, in the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that God provides, done for the glory of God”

1. A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice

a. A compelling life is a life of dedication, Rom. 12.1-2 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be trans formed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. b. A compelling life is a life of discipline, 1 Tim. 4.7-8 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

c. A compelling life is a life of sacrifice, Matt. 16.24-26 – Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross