Senior Comissioning
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Introduction
Introduction
Congratulations, you have finally made it!
Now that you have finished High School you are entering a huge transition period in your life in that a "transfer of ownership" will take place for most of you.
In college…
No one will force you to go to class.
No one will force you to study.
No one will hold you accountable to even wake up…for those moving away from home, no one will make you wash your clothes, cook, or do other things.
You will now have much more ownership and responsibility.
I have mentioned a lot of things you will now need to "own," but one of the most important pieces of your life you must take ownership of as you embark on this new journey is YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Ultimately, your understanding of the Gospel is the single greatest influence on what your life will be like during your college years and beyond…So, in your faith, it is time for the little boy or girl to sit down and the man or woman to stand up.
It is time for you to truly own your faith.
As you enter college, the next few years will be equally exciting and challenging.
If your faith has not been tested yet, I promise it will be in these next few years.
Therefore, I want to offer six encouragements and six things to be prepared for as you enter this new stage of life…
Six Encouragements
Six Encouragements
Trust in Christ, not your feelings or the opinions of others.
You will have plenty of times when you don’t feel like going to church, reading your bible, or praying.
Your feelings will deceive you, but your faith in Jesus never will.
You don't have to have your whole life figured out right now.
My life example.
Many people will tell you who you are and what you should do.
You will also let many people down…but know you cannot please everyone!
Remember Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Many people will tell you who you are and what you should do.
But remember. . . Your identity, belonging, and purpose are bound up in being made in God's image and for his glory….and if you have repented and placed your faith in Jesus for your salvation, you are a child of God.
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Whatever you do, seek to enjoy and glorify him with your life.
Don't forget you are the son or daughter of your parents. They love you. Don't forget about them. Instead, honor them, respect them, and keep in touch if you are moving away.
Trust Christ by clinging to his word and walking by the Spirit.
His word is life
Preach the gospel to yourself every day.
Trusting Christ will help you love others as he did. It will allow you to walk in the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Love Christ AND HIS Body by investing your life in the local church.
The most important decision you will make this year is if you will go to church that first Sunday when you are on your own and no one is forcing you to go.
Campus ministries are great, but don't let them substitute for the local church.
Jesus said he would build his church (Matt. 18). If you want to follow Jesus, you will prioritize involvement in the local church.
J.I. Packer said, "An unchurched Christian is a grotesque anomaly. The New Testament knows nothing of such a person. For the church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought.
Find a church in your fall semester, become a member, and serve the body of Christ with your spiritual gifts.
Maximize your time to serve Christ in College
Don’t waste this season.
Go on a mission trip overseas.
Invest your time in others in discipling relationships.
There are only two things that will last forever. . . the Word of God and the lives of people. . . invest yourself in heavenly treasures for God’s Kingdom!
Trust in Christ and Don’t Worry About the Future
Matt. 6:25-34: God is all-knowing, all-good, and all -powerful. . . he knows you, loves you, and is able to provide for you.
God has told you what his will is for your life:
Saved
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Spirit-Filled
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Sanctified
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
Submissive
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Suffering
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Saying Thanks, Rejoicing, and Praying Always
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Trusting in Christ sets you free.
Gospel call.
Confess and repent when life reveals you are not trusting in Christ.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Six Situations
Six Situations
Be Ready to Answer:
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Why are you a Christian?
How can a God of love allow for so much evil and suffering?
How will you respond when:
You have to stand up for Jesus in a conversation or in your actions?
You sin, and someone calls you a hypocrite?
A professor attempts to deconstruct your faith?
At the end of the day, remember the words of Jude 24
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
God has the power to keep you, and he will always be with you, no matter where you go. . . so, trust and rest in him.
