Motivation Matters

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Question: What do all three of these things have in common?

A grand slam to win the game in the bottom of the
ninth inning.
An encore from the band at a sold-out concert.
A camper who gets tapped out for Little Chief or Belle.

Answer: They’re all things that get a lot of attention. For weeks to come, people will talk about these feats. There might be news coverage, and Twitter and Facebook will be teeming with comments on the topic.

Think about the last time you did something that got a lot of public recognition or attention. What did you do? Why? Was getting all that attention a motivating factor for you to do it?

 

Read Matthew 6:1-4 in your Bible.

What do these verses teach you about your motivation to give to others? Explain.

When have you done something good or even godly because you wanted people to take notice or applaud you? What do these verses say about that kind of attitude?

What does it mean to be a hypocrite? Are there areas of your life in which you’re being a hypocrite? Explain.

hypocrite—noun

• a person who claims to to have moral standards or beliefs to which his or her own behavior does not conform; pretense.


The Point
Jesus clearly expects giving to those in need to be a vital part of His followers’ lives. But motivation matters—and when we give, it isn’t about getting attention or making a name for ourselves. Instead, we should give quietly, out of a desire to please God.

 

Take Action
What are some ways you could put Jesus’ teachings about how to give into practice right now? List three ways you’ll do so this week.


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Obedience

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Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch Christian, who, along with her father, helped provide safety for Jews during World War II. After a raid on their house, she and her family were sent to a concentration camp.

Life in the camp was dreadful—but Corrie and her sister focused their lives on extending the love of Jesus to fellow prisoners. Decades later, Corrie began a worldwide ministry to testify of God’s love and forgiveness.

After one of many speeches on grace, Corrie was approached by a man who came to shake her hand. He was a former prison guard in the camp. It was only through the power of Christ that Corrie was able to extend grace to this man.

 

Take Action
Memorize 1 John 4:19. It will help you to remember why you’re called to love others, even when it’s hard.

 

Journal
Think about Corrie Ten Boom’s story as you read Matthew 5:43-48 in your Bible. Jesus’ command is for us is to love our neighbors—and our enemies. The people who hurt us, ridicule us, gossip about us, and make fun of us. All of them. Who do you find hard to love? Be honest about it to God. Record your prayer, asking Him for His grace and strength to help you love those people. List a few ways you will commit to show that person God’s love this week.

 

Week in Review
Take some time today to think over what you’ve learned this past week.

The kind of life Jesus has called you to won’t make sense to the world. How does that challenge or convict you?

Being a Christian isn’t about keeping rules; it’s about following Christ in radical obedience. Are you keeping the rules or cultivating a relationship with Jesus?


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An Eye For An Eye

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Read Matthew 5:38-42 below. Then, dig deeper into what the words and phrases really mean.

“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

—Matthew 5:38–42

 

One of the oldest laws in the world, this principle was supposed to be used to help courts determine appropriate punishments that fit the crime.

A slap on the right cheek was usually a backhanded slap which was considered a high insult. In commanding His followers to turn the other cheek, Jesus was instructing us not to seek vengeance even when facing the worst offense possible.

In Jesus’ day, the outer garment called the coat was an essential garment since it protected people from the cold and doubled as a blanket for the poor. In Old Testament law, people could sue for others’ shirt (inner garment), but taking their coat was not permitted because it was too severe. Jesus’ instructed His followers to go beyond what the law said to reconcile with others.

Roman soldiers could legally force civilians to carry their gear for up to a mile. Jesus instructed His followers to carry it one more mile as an act of service and love.

 

The Point
If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re called to a radical way of life that won’t make sense in the world’s eyes. Are you living that way?

 

Take Action
How will you live radically different. Below, list three ways you’ll put today’s Scripture passage into practice in your life this week.


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Keep Your Word

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When actor Gary Sinise gave his word to Marine Cpl. J.B. Kerns, he intended to keep it. So, he did.

In March, Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, were set to perform at a benefit concert to raise money for Kerns, a Virginia Marine who lost part of his right arm and both legs below the knee in Afghanistan last year. Sinise had to cancel that appearance because of a car accident, but rescheduled it for May 24, 2012.

Sinise didn’t say why he chose to keep his word to Cpl. Kerns, but Christians do have a reason to keep their word. Read Matthew 5:33-37 in your Bible. Pay close attention to verse 37.

Oath—noun
• a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says, or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says
• a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words • something (as a promise) corroborated by an oath

Behind the Story
In Jesus’ day, oaths to God were considered binding. Therefore, Jews would avoid using God’s name in their oaths and sub in other things (like heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads). In this passage, Jesus condemns that sort of flippant, careless type of speech. Your yes should be yes. Your no should be no. You should keep your word.

 

Take Action
Take some time to evaluate yourself. How well do you keep your word . . .
to your parents?
to your friends?
to your teachers?
to coaches/teammates?
to your counselors/cabinmates?
to your church?
to God?


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It’s Not About Rules

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New Heights

Few people have reached the heights Sergey Bubka did. The Ukranian Olympian broke the world record for men’s pole vaulting 35 times in his career.

As a 19-year-old, Bubka was already a notable athlete after an upset victory at the World Championship of Athletics.

The Ukranian pole vaulter would go on to win six consecutive world championships from 1983-1999. He became an Olympic gold medalist in 1988. And in 1991, Bubka became the first person to clear 20 feet—a height that has not been matched since. To this day he remains the current world record holder.

His athletic career is one of unprecedented heights, earning him nicknames like “The Tsar” and being called the “Hero of Ukraine” by the Ukrainian president. He even has a stadium named after him in his home country.

Bubka reached higher levels than anyone ever expected. As a believer, Jesus calls you to the same thing.

 

Read Matthew 5:20-22. Consider these questions:

– How would you summarize this passage in your
own words?
– What higher standard did Jesus call His followers to?
– What impact do these verses have on the way you live your daily life? Explain.


The Point

Clearly, to Jesus, living obediently isn’t just about following all the rules. It’s about the condition of your heart. If your heart is pure, then your actions will be, too. And Jesus values purity.

“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity


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The Authority

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Think about the last few days. What are some laws or codes of conduct you’ve chosen to obey? List as many as you can think of in your journal, or in the comment field below.

 
When you choose to obey a law, rule, or a person, you give them authority in your life. You allow them to determine how you will live. As believers, Scripture is supposed to have authority in our lives. Did it make your list?

authority—noun
• The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience • [often with infinitive ] the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another

Fulfill—verb
• To meet the requirements of (a business order) • bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)

 

Read Matthew 5:17-19 in your Bible.

What do you think it means that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets?
What do these verses teach you about the authority Scripture should have in your life?
Does Scripture have authority in your life? Why or why not?

 

Behind the Story

In today’s passage, “the Law” refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and “the Prophets” is a reference to the Old Testament history books and those by the major and minor prophets. Jesus knew that His audience made the Law into a checklist of do’s and don’ts. He wanted to free them from the burden of being tied to the checklist, but He didn’t come to get rid of the Law. Jesus came to fulfill it and to make right what we couldn’t do on our own. But until it’s all said and done, the words of the Bible are ours to live by.
Take Action

Scripture is full of promises from God. But it’s also full of expectations for your Christian life. These expectations aren’t rules for the sake of rules, but rules that bring joy because of how Christ has transformed you. In your journal, list three verses from Scripture that challenge the way you live. How will you live in obedience to them this week?


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Hungry and Thirsty

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Let’s say you haven’t eaten much in the last few days. You’re extremely hungry and thirsty. What do you want the most and what extreme measures will you take to get it? Think of a few ideas.

When you’re really hungry and thirsty, that’s really all you can think about. And you’ll focus every bit of your energy on finding food or water. If you want something bad enough, you’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

Now, read Matthew 5:5-7. Ask yourself:

  • What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
  • Does that describe you? Why or why not?
  • Who in your life is a good example of hungering and thirsting
    for righteousness?

Just the Facts
To hunger and thirst for righteousness means you:

  • rest in the gift of grace, not the goodness of your abilities.
  • make God’s will your purpose all the time, not just on Sundays.
  • depend completely on God, because you know that apart from Him, there’s no righteousness to be found.
  • take each of His commands seriously.
  • make Him your priority because all other passions leave you empty inside.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”
—Saint Augustine

Going Deeper
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentioned righteousness five times. Those references help us better understand what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. Check them out:
– Matthew 5:6
– Matthew 5:10
– Matthew 5:20
– Matthew 6:1
– Matthew 6:33


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Poor In Spirit

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❶ Read Matthew 5:3-4 carefully in your Bible. Then, consider the definitions some of the key words and phrases below.

BLESSED —adjective
endowed with divine favor and protection; those who live with God in heaven.

THE POOR IN SPIRIT—
people who depend only on him (CEV); who realize their spiritual poverty (NCV); those who know there is nothing good in themselves (NLV)

THOSE WHO MOURN–
those people who grieve (CEV); when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you (MSG); those who have sorrow (NLV)

❷ The Point
It’s an unavoidable truth: to be a follower of Christ, you must be “poor in spirit” (admit your need for God) and mourn over sin and its consequences. If you don’t, you can’t have a right relationship with God.

What that does and doesn’t mean:

Sin bothers you but doesn’t defeat you.

You’re happy because God is awesome, not because you are.

You are content because heaven is yours, not because your life on earth is so satisfying.

You readily admit your sin—and God’s grace, not legalism, compels you to do so.

❸ Journal
Take some time to think over what this verse really means. By the definitions, are you poor in spirit?

Are you someone who grieves over sin? What does it really mean to say you’re blessed today? Pour out your thoughts and feelings to God. Use your journal to record them or your prayer.

LEGALISM —noun
• excessive adherence to law or formula
• (theology) the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works; the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.


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You Are Precious To God

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“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

—Matthew 10:29–31

Think about it
Read Matthew 10:26-31 in your Bible. Jesus told the disciples that His followers would face opposition as they chose to obey and follow God. So will you. When you do, take Jesus’ advice: don’t be afraid. Trust that you are precious to God, and He is in control.

Take Action
In what ways do you doubt that you are worth much to God? Honestly express those fears to Him today.

In what areas of your life are you facing opposition to really living out your faith? What steps will you take this week to trust those areas to God and actively believe that He is in control?

What are you afraid to turn over to God, fearful that He can’t be trusted or that He will not replace it with something infinitely better? Turn it over to God today!


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What Could Happen If…

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What could happen if . . .
➤ you break your curfew?
➤ you don’t study for the big test?
➤ you talk during council ring?

In our society, and at camp, there are rules and laws set up to protect us from danger, injury, or pain. We can choose to obey them or ignore them, but there will be consequences.

Read Jeremiah 38:19-23.

What were the choices Jeremiah presented to King Zedekiah?

What were the consequences of each of those choices?

How do you face similar opportunities to obey or disobey God every day? What opportunities have you had today?

Do you think that as Christians, we’re still called to proclaim a similar message when we share the gospel? Why or why not?

The Point
Like King Zedekiah, every person will face a simple choice in their lives: surrender to Christ and gain eternal life, or rebel against Him and face eternity in hell.

Take Action
Have you responded to the gospel? If you have not given Christ control of your life, you are not a Christian and do not have eternal life. Read “Do you really know God?” on page 4 for more information on how to become a Christian.

If you are a Christian, who in your life needs to know about the hope the gospel provides? What steps will you take this week to be God’s ambassador to those who need to hear God’s message of forgiveness?

Going Deeper

Explore the passages below for other models of sharing the gospel:
– Acts 17:16-34
– Colossians 4:5-6
– 1 Peter 3:15

“One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.”

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Behind the Story
Surrender is an interesting word. In Zedekiah’s case, to surrender to the Babylonians was a sign of humility. It would have been a sign of remorse and repentance. If Zedekiah surrendered it would be as if he were admitting on behalf of the entire nation that they had sinned against God and deserved the punishment.

When you surrender your life to Christ, you admit much the same thing. To surrender your life to Jesus is to admit you are a sinner, that only Jesus can save you, and to give Him absolute control of your life.


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