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My Balanced Life, Part 1

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:18 NIV - …The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. Luke 2:52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Objective: We live in a world of extremes. The lack of balance in life leads to poor health, poverty, addictions, and damaged relationships. In this lesson, we will discuss the four areas in which a true disciple of Jesus needs to find balance.

Jesus lived an exemplary life and marked a path by which we should walk and follow His footsteps.

1 Peter 2:21 - For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

Jesus understood the need for balance. Luke 2:52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

1) What does it mean to be balanced?

2) He “increased”

The word “increased” comes from the Greek “prokopto” which means to open a road ahead. In essence, we see Jesus leading us on a journey down a road of sincerity, devotion, and _____________.

3) According to Luke 2:52, Jesus grew in four basic aspects: wisdom (mentally), stature

(physically), favor with God (spiritually), and favor with man (socially).

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Following Jesus into a Balanced Life One of the necessary qualities for a successful future in Christ is knowing how to manage our present, and for this, it is vitally important to establish God-given biblical priorities. We must create for ourselves the goal of growing like Jesus did, not only in one aspect, but in all the areas of life. Four Necessary Areas of a Balanced Life 1) True disciples of Jesus strive to be balanced _____________.

The Word tells us that Jesus “… grew in wisdom…” (Luke 2:52).

a) There are two types of wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:5-7 - … that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. v.6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. v.7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

i) The Wisdom of Men

ii) The Wisdom of God

b) Through the power of the Spirit, we have the mind of Christ.

i) 1 Corinthians 2:16 – “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

ii) Philippians 2:5 - Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…

c) The Mind of Christ

Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what

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is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. i) The mind of Christ makes discerning _________ _________ the highest priority in

every situation.

ii) The mind of Christ is able to discern what is __________. It removes the bad thoughts of the age and is transformed by thinking good thoughts of the Kingdom.

iii) The mind of Christ discerns what is _______________ in God’s will and what is

unacceptable.

iv) The mind of Christ discerns what is ______________. Things are put in order as they should be.

Make growing intellectually, in all areas of your life, a priority of your balanced life.

2) True disciples of Jesus strive to be balanced _______________.

The Word tells us that Jesus “… grew in stature…” (Luke 2:52).

a) Stature refers to the physical aspect, and in this we can also make progress and

keep in balance.

b) Our life style, our eating habits, nutrition, recreation, and exercise is a direct influence on our image and is what we project outwardly to God, to other believers, and unto the world.

c) Three physical areas which need balance:

In our life, we should establish habits that prolong our existence and that do not cut short our life by affecting our health.

i) Our ___________

Excesses in eating and drinking unhealthy products are causing many of God’s people to deal with unwarranted sicknesses and disease.

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ii) Our ______________ _________________

(1) Our Physical Condition

1 Timothy 4:8 - …for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…

(a) Training is gymnasia (“exercise”), is used only here in the New Testament

and the apostles acknowledge its value. (b) Paul is teaching Timothy about the need to balance the physical and

spiritual in his life.

(c) Physical conditioning is neglected by too many in the church world and the enemy, sadly, is exploiting the poor health of God’s people.

(d) By nature, a disciple of Jesus is a disciplined follower of Christ. God’s

people should be the most spiritually and physically disciplined people on the planet. Cultivate the practice of exercise, but don’t become and extremist!

(2) Our Appearance

(a) Our image reflects what we are and the God in whom we believe. Jesus

was also an example for us in this. Even though He was born in a humble stable, He improved and wore the best clothes of His era.

He used tunics without seams and these were the best of that time. So much so, that the soldiers gambled over His clothes to decide who could have it (John 19:23-24).

(b) In the physical aspect, we should follow the Teacher and make progress in our manner of living, dressing, and loving, without making a god out of clothing. Instead, our outward image should reflect the excellence of what God has done on the inside.

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iii) Our ___________ ____________ (1) Jesus taught His disciples balance so they would not be overwhelmed by the

stress of their ministry.

(2) Jesus knew when it was time to withdraw from the stress and pressure of the crowds.

(a) Mark 6:31 - And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate

place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

(b) Note: Eleven times in Mark’s gospel, we are told that Jesus, by Himself or with His disciples, withdrew to be alone to pray or to simply rest.

3) True disciples of Jesus strive to be balanced _______________.

And Jesus grew… in favor with God… - Luke 2:52

a) One of the things that brings blessing and wholeness is growth in the knowledge of

God. Matthew affirms, “But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). We must crucify the desire that makes us pursue material worth and comfort more than spiritual wealth and eternal treasures.

Note: The elements of a balanced spiritual life include the basics of prayer, fasting, the Word, and worship. Yet, there are many more aspects to a balanced spiritual life.

b) Eight Spiritual Characteristics of a Balanced Blessed Disciple:

2 Peter 1:5-8 - For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, v.6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, v.7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. v.8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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i) Effort = Diligence resulting in intense effort to grow in one’s discipleship

ii) Virtue = Focused energy for developing goodness

iii) Knowledge = An understanding of the Scriptures and the Kingdom

iv) Self-control = One who has his passions (sexual) under control

v) Steadfastness = Perseverance no matter the level of difficulty or the tendency to quit due to other distractions

vi) Godliness = An overall portrayal of Christlikeness

vii) Brotherly affection = A fondness and loyalty for our Christian brothers and sisters

which is demonstrated by making those friendships a priority

viii) Love (The word is “agape”) = The divine love that God has for those who are Christians and those who are not

c) Paul declares a great truth in 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

i) This verse encourages us to be firm and refuse to be moved away from what we

are now in Christ. To grow means to do more than I am told or asked to do, working with initiative to do things better each time.

ii) Purpose to grow in the spiritual aspect and do it by reaching your specific goals so you

won’t stagnate. Don’t settle for just attending the activities of the Church, rather become a part of them (ministry teams, schools of leadership, evangelistic min- istries, etc.).

4) True disciples of Jesus strive to be balanced _____________.

And Jesus grew… in favor… with men. - Luke 2:52 To have a balanced life means to not go to extremes and to keep everything in its right-

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ful place. Someone said, “People were made to be loved and things were made to be used.” a) The Lord knew how important people were, and so He was interested in them, got

to know them, and met their needs. All of this gave Him favor with people.

b) We speak more loudly through what we ______ than what we ________.

People observe us and if they find in us simplicity, love, human warmth, and a life of integrity, they will offer to us a key that unlocks their hearts and lets Christ in.

c) Finding a Balance in Relationships

i) Begin with the people in your own ________________. (1) A true disciple of Jesus will not be out of balance by being more committed to

others than they are to their own family.

(2) Paul uses strong words to express the need to make one’s family a priority:

1 Timothy 5:8 - But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

(3) Never allow your family to deteriorate by putting your time, effort, money, and

energy in others to the detriment of those in your house. God wants us to have balance in the treatment of our family. He wants us to give them time and attention, so that with our love and testimony, we can win them to the Lord.

ii) Secondly, make the people of _________ a priority.

(1) Paul motivates perseverance in service to one another by reminding us that we are part of an even greater family, the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 - So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,

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and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

(2) Growth in our relationships does not happen automatically; growth takes effort. Hard work is required if broken relationships are to be rebuilt. In these two verses, Paul simply encourages Christians to keep on working at building their relationships: Let us not become weary in doing good - Galatians 6:9.

iii) Lastly, be committed to reaching those who are ______________ of the church.

(1) Two Key Verses:

(a) Paul teaches Timothy, “And he must have a good reputation with those

outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:7).

(b) Colossians 4:5, 6 NIV - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make

the most of every opportunity. v.6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

(2) Balanced actions to take with unbelievers:

(a) Don’t lose your integrity. Establish and keep a good reputation.

(b) Make the most of every opportunity, but don’t force opportunities.

In Luke 10, Jesus said look for a man of peace.

(c) Be gracious to outsiders.

(i) Be a grace giver!

(ii) Be gracious with your words.

Final Words: If we follow the example of Jesus by growing mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially as Christ did, we will have a successful life, personal satisfaction, and blessing not only for ourselves, but also for our families and those around us.

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Identify the #1 area from the lesson you feel you are out of balance. Write on a piece of paper that topic, and then write one SMART goal with three action steps you can take to shore up that area of your life in the next week. Share that paper (or send an email) to your coach for accountability.

1. How are you doing in the realm of mental balance? 2. How has this lesson impacted you concerning your physical health, nutrition, and fitness balance? 3. Talk about one right thing you can do this week concerning your spiritual balance. 4. How is your social balance working for or against you? 5. What else about this lesson stands out most to you?