8-11-13 Life Apps (1) – Application is Everything (James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-25)

Now a day it’s hard to find someone without a smart phone.  I have delayed using one until I finally got one about 2 years ago.  One of the very great features about the smartphone is the apps.  They were made to make your life easier.  You can download apps ranging from weather and traffic to addicting games and networking tools.  I have got several of them on my phone but honestly I only use a few of them.  Do you know that everyday countless apps are downloaded but only a few are used?  What good does an app do if you don’t use them?

I bet you know that when it comes to our lives, the Bible gives us many applications to live by.  But the change in your life can only happen when we choose to apply them.  It is like your doctor can prescribe you the best medicine.  But it does no help if you don’t take it.  You can own the sleekest pair of running shoes.  But it does no help if you don’t exercise.  You can gather all the nutritional information regarding the foods you eat.  But it does no help if you don’t adjust your diet.  In the coming weeks are going to talk about five life applications worth living by.  But first thing first – application makes all the difference.

Moving Forward

Merely reading the Bible or coming to church and hearing a sermon is one thing. But real life-change happens in the “doing.” Application makes all the difference.

Discussion Questions

1. What resolutions have you recently made but failed to apply?

2. Is it reasonable to expect non-Christians to apply Christian standards?

3. Read James 1:22-25. James uses an illustration about looking into a mirror to emphasize the importance of “doing.” What Christian principles do you frequently hear about but fail to apply?

4. What are some examples of observing a rule or a law that actually led the way to freedom?

5. Read Matthew 7:24-25. What specific application can you “do” this week in order to become like the wise man Jesus describes in the Matthew passage?