Compromise

Intro: If you could have any job in the world, what would you choose and why?

Study

  1. 1 John 2:16, 1 Cor 9:22 God has called us to be in the world, to be able to relate with the world, but to not be like the world.
    1. 1 Kings 8:61, 1 Kings 15:3 Compromise comes when our hearts grow away from God, and we become not fully committed to our calling, and turn from Gods laws.
      1. Ps 37:5 Many times when we are new in our faith, or have come off a spiritual High, we set Godly standards, and commit to keep them.
      2. 2 Sam 12:13, Heb 10:36 The test of our commitment is our ability to hold to our standards, to get up after our mistakes, and to press on no matter what.
    2. S.S. 2:15 It is usually the little compromises, the small things we give into that eat away at our passion, and eventually lead us to backslide.
  2. Rom 12:2, Mt 16:3 There are many signs that reveal a compromising heart, but I believe that they all can fall under the following two categories:
    1. Eph 5:17-19 One of the greatest signs of compromise is the lowering of our personal standards, and justification of our actions, giving in morally, and physically to our flesh.
      1. 1 John 3:17-19 The second area of compromise is in our commitment level to the work of God, our servants heart, our faithfulness in the work of God.
      2. 2 Chron 7:14, Rom 10:9-10 God is calling all of us to a place of repentance, and recommitment in our personal walk with God, we need to fully come back to God.
    2. Ps 103:12, Jer 29:11-13 Once we have returned to God with all our hearts, he will fully forgive us, redeem us, and reveal to us our purpose in life.

Discussion

  1. Can you give an example of how small compromises can destroy your life, and pull you away from God? Has anyone here ever struggled with this?
  2. What are some things that come and try to lead our hearts away from being fully committed to God, and to the call of God on our lives?
  3. What are the most common personal standards that backslidden people tend to lower first? What are some justifications that people give?
  4. Do you feel that you have personally compromised in either your personal standards, or in your commitment level to the work of the ministry in helping others?

End: Pray for any who have struggled with Compromise in their commitment level, or in their personal lives, pray for Summer camp, then take requests.