Plan to Live BCF

The majority of this is simply pulled straight from Lesson 8 of the BCF manual.

As we learn to live a life different from the world, we need to develop a basic plan for living a changed life on a daily basis. Your basic plan should list specific steps by which your sinful “put-offs” are replaced by biblical “put-ons” (based on Ephesians 2:10; 4:1, 25-32; Colossians 2:6, 3:1-17) and should include:

1. Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 5:17);

2. Study of Scripture, especially to find out how God’s Word relates to changes necessary in your life (II Timothy 2:15);

3. Scripture memory, which should be focused on God’s answers to the temptation(s) in which you are prone to sin (Psalm 119:11);

4. Avoidance of all forms (i.e., the appearance) of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22);

5. Obedience to God in all things (Matthew 7:24; John 14:15; I John 5:3) instead of pleasing “self” by gratifying fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16-17; II Timothy 2:22a; Titus 2:12);

6. Consistent and faithful fellowship, worship, and ministry in the Body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25; I Peter 4:10); and

7. Continual biblical self-evaluation (Matthew 7:1-5; I Corinthians 11:31) dealing with thoughts (II Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8-9; Colossians 3:1-2), words (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6), and actions (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10). In biblically evaluating your thoughts, words, or actions in any situation, answer the following questions. You should memorize both the questions and the referenced verses.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ACHIEVING BIBLICAL CHANGE

Notice I said what kind of change? Thats right, biblical, its not about just being a better person or good guy/gal. Its not about a philosophical change - it is literally doing what the bible commands. So we ask ourselves these questions.

a. Is this profitable (in other words, does this contribute toward the development of godly traits or help to accomplish biblical responsibilities in my life or in the lives of others) (I Corinthians 6:12, 10:23a)?

b. Does this bring me under its power or am I controlled by it in any way (I Corinthians 6:12)?

c. Is this an area of spiritual weakness (a stumbling block) in my life (Matthew 5:29-30, 18:8-9)?

d. Could this lead another believer in Christ to stumble (Romans 14:13; I Corinthians 8:9-13)?

e. Does this edify (build up) others or, stated in another way, is this the biblically loving thing to do (Romans 14:19; I Corinthians 10:23-24)?

f. Does this glorify God (Matthew 5:16; I Corinthians 10:31)?

Never stop living for Him!