Week 1 - The Party Scene: Drugs, Alcohol and Hookin' Up.
When it comes to the Party Scene: drugs, alcohol and hookin’ up, we can separate everyone into 3 categories. Those who are dealing with it. Those who are not dealing with it. And those who are curious about it. Disclaimer: Lets not assume that a student has to be struggling with all 3 of these aspects (drugs, alcohol and hookin’ up) to be dealing with it, and lets also not assume that a student has to actually go to a party to struggle with any of these issues.
What does God’s word say, and how does it apply to us when it comes to the party scene? In the following three passages, notice that the instruction for behavior follows the condition of the heart.
1 Peter 4:1-6 What Peter describes is not a cleaned up act in order to please God, but a heart that lives for God, which results in a cleaned up act.
Galatians 5:19-24 The Fruit of the Spirit is a condition of the heart, that grows out of living and walking by the Spirit. When we belong to Jesus, we give up the desires of the flesh and instead of the party scene, we find Joy in Christ.
Romans 13:12-14 The condition of the heart, by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, leads us to walk properly as in the daytime.
I am not interested in you modifying your behavior because you think it will look better to people, or earn you points with God. I am interested in your understanding that wise decisions flow from a heart that beats to love God and live in relationship with him, and the results should be evident in your life. You need a plan!
Here is "The Plan" that was presented and discussed in Fuel Groups. Learn it. Memorize it. Own it.
1. Love God.
Matt 22:37-39
2. Resist Evil.
James 4:7-8
3. Lock Arms.
2 Tim 2:22
4. Stay Alert
1 Pet. 5:8
5. Get Out.
1 Cor. 10:13–14
Changed behavior does not lead to a relationship with God. A relationship with God leads to changed behavior.
