Pastor Cho's Sermon Outline - Yoido Full
Gospel Church - Seoul, KoreaDecide on the Priorities in Your Life Matthew 6:33 2003-01-05
Those who have success in the little and big things in life have established priorities. For example, when they wake up, they pray and read the Bible, and then they exercise. They wash themselves, get dressed, eat breakfast, and then brush their teeth. When priorities aren't followed, life becomes disorderly and stressful. How should we establish priorities for the New Year? This is a sample of life's priorities.
1. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The most important thing in life is to serve God, our Creator (Isaiah 44:24). When we seek Him, He is our comfort and help (Psalm 33:20). As Christians, after death we will be with Him in heaven (Hebrews 11:16; Philippians 3:20). Let us serve God in sincerity and holiness as we attend church, cell meetings, give our tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10,11; Job 22:21), and live according to His will (John 12:26). He will help us (Psalm 91:14-16).
2. Home and family. Some people are too busy to be with family members, even though the root of our lives is our family. If family members are not harmonious, there is no happiness and peace (Proverbs 17:1). Unhappy homes affect marriages, children, and jobs. We must honor and respect our parents, not fight with them (Exodus 20:12). Spouses need constant understanding and praise (Ephesians 5:33). Children need daily love, care, and communication with their parents (Ephesians 6:4).
3. Be concerned about your health. When you lose your wealth, you lose a small part of yourself. When you lose your good name, you lose a greater part of yourself. But when you lose your health, you lose everything. The foundation of success and happiness in life is good health. We must actively maintain our good health. We should stop eating before we are full, eat a balanced diet, have an orderly life, exercise, and get proper rest (1 Corinthians 3:16,17). Those who smoke or drink are voluntarily killing themselves.
4. Work and business. This is the fourth priority; there are three other priorities before this one. We must understand that we are God's stewards when it comes to work (1 Peter 4:10). A job is important, a means of making a living, self-fulfillment of our dreams, and an affirmation of one's existence. But our work or business is not as important as God, family, and health (Colossians 3:17,23,24).
5. Hobby and leisure. Personal and family hobbies provide lubricant to our lives. However, TV or Internet addictions are an illness-not hobbies. Individuals and families need to take time for hobbies and recreation to revitalize their lives.
Heavenly Father, help us to choose the correct priorities in life and follow them so that we may be happy and glorify You.