Senior Send Off

Introduction:

For some, your high school days are almost over. For some, you look towards the day were American culture considers you an adult.

The illusion of maturity

You may also ask the question where do I turn? How do I live? What should my decisions be based off?

Basic Goal: Glory of God

Isaiah 43:5–7 LSB

“Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your seed from the east, And gather you from the west. “I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth, Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”

NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible: Follow God’s Redemptive Plan as it Unfolds throughout Scripture Chapter 43

43:5–7 One of the reasons exile is so devastating is that it means a people’s children would be assimilated into the culture of the conquerors and their culture would disappear. That will not happen here. Yahweh will bring Israel’s children back to their homeland from “east … west … north … south” (vv. 5–6; cf. 29:22–23; 49:12; 60:4).

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 43

43:5–7 Wherever God’s people may be scattered, he will bring them home (cf. Deut. 30:1–4). whom I created for my glory. God’s people become living proof of his glory, which is his ultimate goal in salvation (cf. Eph. 1:3–6).

1 Corinthians 10:31 LSB

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

A couple principles from this passage

God gives security

God is gracious

God is creator

God created you for His glory

3 Primary Realms where we do this

Toward God

Personal Holiness

Diligent Work

Prayer

Bible Reading

Toward Believers

Faithfulness to the Church

Encouragement

Service

Toward Unbelievers

Evangelism

Practically

It sounds simple, put this is how you plan a life!

You have been created, and therefore, the most joyful fulfilling life you can live is the one you were created to live.

You seek a life that is focused on God, believers, and unbelievers.

Some of you may have to choose a different school or area to live based on your walk with the Lord. Maybe pay more for school. Maybe move into a new area, because you feel that it is one that will be best for your walk with the Lord.

Self Awareness

You make decisions for evangelism purposes

To summarize, it seems clear biblically that you can live both a fulfilling blessed life that honors the Lord, or you can make decisions that progress towards a wasted life more and more each day. It is not always the easy decision to glorify God and make sacrifices that would praise His name. Yet I ask you today, regardless of your age, if you believe in the truth of God as creator, and the purpose of your existence, make a decision today to live for Christ. To boast in the cross, to joyfully submit to what God has for you. There is nothing quite as sad as a wasted life. There is nothing as awesome as living a life of praise to loving, gracious, and awesome God of the universe. Let’s pray