BACK TO SCHOOL
A. EVERYONE HAS A “BACK TO SCHOOL” CHECKLIST.
1. 2 Pairs of jeans and 5 new colored t-shirts – every year. And a pair of shoes.
2. Pencil boxes and a note book – Maybe a lunchbox.
3. Things have changed. Each class demands its own supplies.
4. School supplies have become “Hi-Tech.” Calculators and laptops.
B. NEW TIMES AND NEW PROBLEMS.
1. Fighting and smoking in the boys’ room were the big problems.
2. Before my time, maybe chewing gum, being tardy, etc
3. We never imagined having policemen, metal detectors, drugs, or nurseries for all the
unwed mothers!
C. FOR CHRISTIAN STUDENTS, THERE ARE UNIQUE PROBLEMS TO FACE.
D. WE CAN GO TO GOD’S WORD TO HELP EQUIP US FOR SCHOOL PROBLEMS.
A. WHAT IS HONOR?
1. “Special distinction or credit given to students … for high achievement.”
2. “A keen sense of right and wrong; adherence to action or principles considered
right; integrity (to conduct oneself with honor). [Webster]
B. HOW IMPORTANT IS HONOR TO CHRISTIANS?
1. When talking about recognition? (Matt. 6:1-2)
2. When talking about integrity? (2 Cor. 13:7; Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21).
Be concerned about doing what is right,
not what others might think!
C. HONOR INVOLVES HONESTY.
1. What is it?
a. "Fairness & straightforwardness of conduct, uprightness of character"(Webster).
b. Having a character that is free of deceit ( 1 Pet. 2:12 ).
2. Be honest before God, you can't fool Him! (Gal. 6:7; Psa. 44:21; Prov. 15:3).
3. Be honest with your friends & fellow students (Matt. 5:35-37; John 8:44).
a. I had a friend who was nice, but lied habitually; no one ever took him seriously.
b. Do you have to “swear on a stack of Bibles” for your friends to believe you?
4. Be honest with your teachers – They can be a big help, if you let them
5. Be honest with your parents
a. Contrary to popular opinion, they love you & want what's best for you.
b. They know more than you & are on your side! (Prov. 15:20; 23:24-25).
6. Be honest with yourself (2 Cor. 13:5). God gave you a conscience to help you.
A. AUTHORITY IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD.
1. We are encouraged to reject and question authority on every level.
a. Songs, slogans, entertainers, sports stars, etc.
b. Even teachers encourage us to reject authority in government and the home.
2. What happens if you act out in their class?
B. RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY MUST BE TAUGHT AT HOME (Col. 3:20).
1. Who is the boss in your house? OH, YEAH! Who decides?
2. 1 Pet. 3:15. The boss in our lives should be the boss in our homes (Josh. 24:15).
3. Upon this basis, the husband is the head of the wife (Eph. 5:23), and fathers are over
their children (Eph. 6:1, 4).
4. It is the duty of the parents to teach this (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6, 15; 23:13-14)
5. Your parents are doing their best, honor them by respecting and obeying them.
C. RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY AT HOME LEADS TO THE SAME AT SCHOOL.
1. Teachers have authority because your folks have given you into their care
(Gal. 4:1-2).
2. Lack of respect for authority causes upset in the home, school, job, & society.
3. Everyone is under some authority (1 Pet. 2:13-18). Our place is to respect it.
A. WHAT IS THIS?
1. "The quality which enables one to stand firm against huge temptation."
2. The guts to do what's right! - Zeke Flores
B. WE SEE THIS ILLUSTRATED IN DANIEL (Dan. 6:7-10).
1. Cast into the den of lions! But God delivered him (vs. 19-22).
2. Paul in prison (2 Tim. 4:16-18).
3. And us (Heb. 7:25).
C. YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO FOLLOW THE CROWD (Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 10:13).
1. Immodest clothes (1 Pet. 3:3-4). 4. Evolution (Rom. 1:20, 25).
2. Drugs & Alcohol (1 Pet. 4:3-5). 5. Dancing (Gal. 5:19-21).
3. Gangs (Prov 1:10). 6. Sex (1 Thess. 4:3-5).
Exercise "godly guts."
D. WE MUST REMEMBER WHO WE ARE? (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27).
A. LET NO MAN DESPISE YOUR YOUTH! (1 Tim. 4:12).
B. DON’T BE A FOLLOWER OF OTHERS, BE A LEADER!
C. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!