Lifestyle Choices Lifestyle Choices

IntroductionIntroduction

Some walk the straight and narrow Some walk the straight and narrow pathway that leads to life; others pathway that leads to life; others travel the broad way that ends in travel the broad way that ends in destruction (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke destruction (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:22-24).13:22-24).

What choices are you making What choices are you making regarding the direction of your life? regarding the direction of your life? Will you choose life or death Will you choose life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)?(Deuteronomy 30:19-20)?

Lifestyle ChoicesLifestyle Choices

In the original language of the NT, lifestyle In the original language of the NT, lifestyle choices are communicated by a particular choices are communicated by a particular word family [Greek: word family [Greek: anastrephō & anastrephō & anastrophēanastrophē] that signifies “conduct ] that signifies “conduct expressed according to certain expressed according to certain principles,” i.e., one’s way of life.” principles,” i.e., one’s way of life.”

Does our behavior reflect the will of God Does our behavior reflect the will of God or the whims of Satan? Are we walking in or the whims of Satan? Are we walking in a manner that is worthy of our calling a manner that is worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 1:27)?(Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 1:27)?

Various MeaningsVarious Meanings

These words communicate the These words communicate the physical action of turning again to a physical action of turning again to a specific point (Acts 5:22-23; 15:15-specific point (Acts 5:22-23; 15:15-18). 18).

These words are also used These words are also used metaphorically to describe one’s metaphorically to describe one’s characteristic conduct or repeated, characteristic conduct or repeated, recurrent behavior. recurrent behavior.

Wicked LifestyleWicked Lifestyle

Lustful (Ephesians 2:1-3, esp. vs. 3; 2 Lustful (Ephesians 2:1-3, esp. vs. 3; 2 Peter 2:6-9, esp. vs. 7)Peter 2:6-9, esp. vs. 7)

Corrupt (Ephesians 4:17-24, esp. vs. Corrupt (Ephesians 4:17-24, esp. vs. 22)22)

False (2 Peter 2:18-19, esp. vs. 18)False (2 Peter 2:18-19, esp. vs. 18) Futile (1 Peter 1:17-19, esp. vs. 18)Futile (1 Peter 1:17-19, esp. vs. 18) Ignorant (Galatians 1:13-14, esp. vs. Ignorant (Galatians 1:13-14, esp. vs.

13)13)

Godly LifestyleGodly Lifestyle

Expected of Christian Leaders Expected of Christian Leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17).(Hebrews 13:7, 17).

Expected of Christian wives (1 Peter Expected of Christian wives (1 Peter 3:1-6, esp. vs. 1-2).3:1-6, esp. vs. 1-2).

Expected of Christian Youth (1 Expected of Christian Youth (1 Timothy 4:11-16, esp. vs. 12).Timothy 4:11-16, esp. vs. 12).

Godly LifestyleGodly Lifestyle

Must be Proper (1 Timothy 3:14-15).Must be Proper (1 Timothy 3:14-15). Must be Honorable (Hebrews 13:18-Must be Honorable (Hebrews 13:18-

19).19). Must be Reverent (1 Peter 1:17-19, Must be Reverent (1 Peter 1:17-19,

esp. vs. 17).esp. vs. 17).

Godly LifestyleGodly Lifestyle

Must be Good (James 3:13-18; esp. Must be Good (James 3:13-18; esp. vs. 13; 1 Peter 3:13-17, esp. vs. 16; )vs. 13; 1 Peter 3:13-17, esp. vs. 16; )

Must be Excellent (1 Peter 2:11-12, Must be Excellent (1 Peter 2:11-12, esp. vs. 12).esp. vs. 12).

Must be Holy (2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Must be Holy (2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:13-16, esp. vs. 15; 2 Peter Peter 1:13-16, esp. vs. 15; 2 Peter 3:11-13, esp. vs. 11).3:11-13, esp. vs. 11).

ConclusionConclusion

Like Israel, of old, we must choose Like Israel, of old, we must choose whom we will serve (Joshua 24:14-28). whom we will serve (Joshua 24:14-28).

Some choose wisely (Psalm 119:30-Some choose wisely (Psalm 119:30-32). Others choose foolishly (Proverbs 32). Others choose foolishly (Proverbs 1:24-31). 1:24-31).

A choice must be made (Matthew A choice must be made (Matthew 6:24). Therefore, what will your 6:24). Therefore, what will your answer be?answer be?