Faith without good deeds is worthless.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17 ESV

Read “Cornerstones” on page 302 of your SRT New Testament.

Would you order a pizza from a place that guarantees to deliver in 30 minutes, but is always late or never shows up at all? No way. This “guarantee” is a joke.

How do you feel about someone who says he’ll do something but never follows through? These so-called guarantees are hollow and worthless.

Having faith in Christ means that you are committed to living out what you believe about him. You can’t just say that you love people; you need to show your love in practical ways. You can’t just commit to a life of sexual purity under God and then put purity on the side. You need to live the pure life every day, or else you won’t really be living it. If your commitment is all talk and no action, God says it’s good for nothing but the trash. So make sure your faith is clearly visible today in what you do.

What would you say to someone who claims, “I believe in my heart, and that’s enough”?

How can you live out your faith by what you do?

Write a brief prayer to God about your desire and intention to live out your faith. 

You know these things – now do them!
This is the path of blessing.
John 13:17 NLT

    God uses the Scriptures to teach us what is true.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT

Read “First Steps” on page 277 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 1.

God didn’t just decide to send his Son to earth one day; it was so planned that the Old Testament is full of prophecies about Christ! For thousands of years, people were told about Christ’s coming. They were searching and waiting for a Savior. In fact, several men claimed to be the Son of God before Christ was born but none of them fulfilled every prophecy. 

God gives us the knowledge, through the Scriptures, to only trust in the real Jesus. There was no way that anyone but Christ could possibly do everything that God said our Savior would do! The Old Testament specifically foretold the death of Jesus. Take a look at Psalm 22. It accurately described how Jesus would die, down to the detail of the soldiers casting lots for his clothes.

What’s great about the Bible is that God inspired it to be written so that we will have a guide to know what is true and real!

Who do you trust most in your life? Why?

How can you tell if something is true or not?

How does reading the Bible help you to know what actions and behaviors are right?

You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.
Psalm 2:7 NLT

3. How can you tell what's wrong? 

    God sees everything that we think and do. Christ faced the same temptations as we do, but did not fall for them; God gives us grace.

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Hebrews 4:12-16 NAB

Review “First Steps” on page 277 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 2.

Sometimes it seems like there are shortcuts in life. You can cheat on a test, get a good grade, and maybe never get caught. But you will have to live with knowing that you didn’t earn the grade and don’t even know the material. Your good grade could even hurt others in the class by skewing the grading curve. In the same way, if you can go too far with a girlfriend or boyfriend, you might be able to keep it a secret. But you will carry the memory and maybe even scars with you forever, and God will always know what you’ve been doing.

God knows everything we do, even our darkest secrets – and he still loves us! But when we do things that are wrong, it hurts us because we become a little less human, and step a little further away from what God wishes for us. That pushes us away from God. Use the word of God to discover what is wrong with your life. Then ask God for help! When it seems like staying pure is impossible, ask God for the same grace that enabled Jesus to stay pure and sinless. God will give you the same grace and determination that enabled Christ to face the cross. God will never ask you to do something that you can’t do; he never tires of loving us, no matter how much we mess up!

What temptations do you struggle with?

How can you be more open with God about your life?

How can you use the Bible as the guide God intended it to be?

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God as firmly as when we first believed,
we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
Hebrews 3:14 NLT

 4:  God's Guide to Doing Right

    Follow the word of God, rather than fads and your own desires.

Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT

Review “First Steps” on page 277 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 3.

You have front row tickets for your favorite band’s concert, but there’s a problem. You have no idea where the concert is! You could get directions from your friend, who thinks she was there two years ago, just start driving and hope for the best, or print out a map with directions from the band’s website.

Not such a hard choice, huh? If you get lost but have a map, you can always stop, and ask someone for help with the map. Because you have directions you can trust, you know if you’re being sent the wrong way.

God desperately wants us to reach our destination so he has provided us with a variety of directions: the Bible, our churches, our parents, trusted friends, well-formed consciences, etc.

He wants you to be happy and to find your way home to him. He wants you to avoid getting lost or caught up in fads that will, in the end, only hurt you. Why is it that sometimes we try every possible solution before turning to God? Why is it that we cry out to God only in our deepest desperation? When life gets confusing, open the pages of the book that has answers. Listen to God’s word. 

When you have a problem, who or what do you turn to first?

How can you make God your first choice for answers?

How do you go to both your parents and the Bible for help with problems? 

How can you solve problems with your parents without getting mad at each other?

 5: Break Free From Worrying

    Don’t worry; instead pray and give your problems up to God.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 NLT

Read “First Steps” on page 251 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 1.

Have you ever met someone who worries about everything, but is still happy and peaceful? I know I haven’t! These emotions just seem to conflict – someone happy usually doesn’t stress out, and someone who stresses out usually isn’t happy. Sometimes all it takes to stop worrying is a decision to stop. Easier said than done, huh?

That’s where prayer fits in. God makes the impossible possible, especially when struggling with physical temptations, like the temptation to be sexually impure. Remember that when Christ became human, he became fully human and experienced all (and probably more) of the stress and temptations that we do. The devil spent 40 days alone with Christ, just trying to tempt him by literally promising him the world! And what was Christ’s solution? Scripture and prayer.

When it seems like a problem is too big for you, remember that you don’t have to deal with it all on your own. No problem is too big, or even too small, to share with God!

What is a stressful situation in your life?

How does worrying about it not help?

Write a brief prayer to God, offering up your worries over the stressful situation to him.

I just wanna run and see where it takes me
Take a walk and let the path lead me
I don't have to know what's happening 'cause I'm free
– Rachel Kenley

    God will provide for you, just as he provided for Paul.

As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.

At the moment I have all I need – more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.   

Philippians 4:15-20 NLT

Review “First Steps” on page 251 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 2.

“All you had to do was ask.” How often have you heard these words? How often do you say them? God already knows everything you need, but he wants you to ask him for help. When we ask for help, it shows that we need God and we give God control of our lives, so the good we accomplish ultimately gives glory to God.   

Sometimes your parents wait until you ask before they help with a problem. If you need help making a car payment, they could make a direct deposit without even telling you, but would you really appreciate that? Parents wait to be asked because they know that having a child ask for help is more meaningful than simply giving help. Asking offers us the chance to acknowledge our dependence and to say “thank you.” So admitting that you need help from God is part of reaching out, to God, in faith.

What is your reaction to a friend who refuses to ask for help?

How does it make you feel when someone asks you for help or advice?

Do you struggle with asking for help? Why or why not? 

Lord, help me to put you first.
Thank you for always loving me,
Even when I forget to ask you for help.
I want to trust in your plan for my life.

    The Holy Spirit is our best friend in the battle against sin.

So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:16-21 NLT

Read “Cornerstones” on page 230 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 1.

Rebuilding a computer and scrubbing the hard drive wipe away all of the junk on it – the viruses, the spyware, the pop-up ads, all of it! Doing this also erases all of the memory and the files on the computer.

When you accept Christ, you also are rebuilt, and have a clean slate with all of the junk wiped away. But you have a more lasting memory, and maybe some residual habits that can make living a Christian life difficult.

But nothing is too hard for God. He sends us the Holy Spirit who helps us make right decisions and overcome our habitual tendencies to sin. 

He’s your ultimate accountability partner! Because of the original sinful nature of man, you need the Holy Spirit to break free from and conquer the life that will only lead to a major crash. 

How does the Holy Spirit help you live a pure life?

What is a situation where you really needed the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

Describe the “evil results” listed in the reading that surprised you.

 The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from
what the sinful nature desires.
Galatians 5:17 NLT

8: Happiness with the Holy Spirit 

    The Holy Spirit’s guidance leads to Godliness and happiness.

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT

Review “Cornerstones” on page 230 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 3.

A trick of the devil is to take something sacred and special, like sex, and make a dangerous and tempting spin-off. God created sex as a great gift to be enjoyed by married couples! Only in marriage can two people share themselves completely and at the same time take part in God’s plan for the creation of children! It’s a beautiful thing.

Sins are tempting precisely because they are twisted shadows of good things. Sex is meant to be an awesome experience of giving, but outside of marriage it becomes a self-centered expression of desire, based on the slender thread of physical attraction. Without enduring love to keep it on track, sex outside of marriage can be dangerous and emotionally painful for both people.

Indulging in “sexual immorality, impure thoughts, and eagerness for lustful pleasure” (Galatians 5:19) is like grasping at straws trying to fake love. That’s just one example. When you let the Holy Spirit take hold of your life, you’ll find what your heart yearns for – love, joy, and peace – instead of cheap knock-off sins!

What would you rather have in your life, the evil results of sin (Galatians 5:19-21) or the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Why?

What is a good quality (fruit of the Spirit) that you would like to possess?

Write out a brief prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to produce that fruit in your life. 

Thank you Holy Spirit, for being the guide in my life!
Help me to do what I cannot do on my own.
Thank you for your grace!

    God made us his children. People who believe in Christ will keep themselves pure in Christ’s example.

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don’t know God, so they don’t understand that we are his children. Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure.

1 John 3:1-3 NLT

Review “Cornerstones” on page 230 of your SRT New Testament and focus on Point 4.

There are two ways to live – for this world, following what society tells you, or for eternal life, following what God tells you. God has an awesome plan for you! You are one of his children! If you chose to follow the world, all you’re doing is cheating yourself out of how amazing life can be. That doesn’t mean that living a God-driven life will be easy. There will probably be times in your life when all you’ll want to do is forget that you ever knew God, times when you won’t want to worry about consequences. God will always forgive you, right?

That type of thinking is a trap, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to let the Holy Spirit lead you. The Holy Spirit is the window through which the light of Christ enters your heart. Yes, God forgives. But God is also just, which means that we must deal with the earthly consequences of our actions. Also, whenever you sin, you put up a barrier to God; he never pushes you away, but you can push God away. It’s essential that you seek and follow God’s opinion first! He not only cares the most for you, but also has the best plan! 

Who do you put first in your life?

Do you feel like God is calling you something specifically?

What is your biggest dream? Does God fit in? 

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit,
Let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25 NLT

    God comforts us in our struggles; he gives us challenges so that we can also comfort others.

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.

Luke 17:11-19 NLT

Read “First Steps” on page 219 of your SRT New Testament.

Sometimes it may seem as if God just throws challenge after challenge in your way. And you know what? He probably does, because God loves you and wants you to grow in his love and be a better person. With growth and challenge comes an increased ability and obligation to help others as God has helped us.   God’s plan is for us to experience his love and share that love with others by bringing them to him. We learn how to be Christ-like from Christ and by being in a relationship with him. What we experience from God, we need to share with others in order to bring them closer to God. Share the encouragement you experience from God!

Another way to look at it is this – if you have a friend who is so spoiled he’s never had to work for anything in his life, would you go to him for advice about finding a job? Probably not. A friend who gets summer and after-school jobs to pay for college is probably a better person to ask. The challenges God gives you enable you to be “the friend who worked,” to be “the friend” with valuable advice and help for others.

How do problems in your life help you to comfort and encourage others?

Did any of the verses, reflections, or questions remind you of something going on in your life? If so, what?

What thoughts do you have about what you have studied so far?