Bible Study 12-4-11

**The Cost of Following Christ**
We can say we want to change and pray about it, BUT we need to move forward and change.
Colossians 3:1 (NIV1984)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Our growth comes by not making promises to God, it’s following His promises.
**Four Principles to Jump Start Your Walk With the Lord**

1 – Put things in writing.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 MSG)
6-9 Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

2 – Maintain spiritual purity in:
*Relationships
*The Sabbath
Galatians 4:9-10 (NKJV)
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

3 – Meet others in the Body of Christ
Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church[a] daily those who were being saved.

4 – Give your very best
Colossians 3:23 (MSG)
22-25Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.