You’re doing all the right things - reading your Bible, going to church, being generous with your finances - but you feel spiritually dead inside. What’s wrong? Chip shares how to break the spiritual activity trap and begin experiencing the peace and power you’re longing for.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
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• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

In this message, Chip reveals the danger of becoming too disciplined in both your personal and spiritual life. He shares how to recognize the warning signs of an out-of-balance spiritual life.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Setting priorities, putting first things first is important. The question is how do you keep those priorities in place? Chip explores the essential elements that must be in place in order for you to be able to keep your priorities in line over the long haul.

The Problem: Many start well, but few finish well.

The Answer: Biblical Accountability

• Definition: Biblical Accountability is enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.
• Its Power: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The Need: Why accountability is essential for spiritual success

Five Reasons:

1. Because we never outgrow the need for PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. -1 Corinthians 9:34-27
2. Because past successes are no guarantee of FUTURE FAITHFULNESS. -1 Corinthians 10:1-5
3. Because we constantly underestimate the power of our own SINFUL PASSIONS. -1 Corinthians 10:6-11
4. Because we constantly overestimate our ability to handle TEMPTATION. -1 Corinthians 10:12
5. Because we naively believe our struggles and temptations are UNIQUE. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Summary: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from IDOLATRY!” -1 Corinthians 10:14

The Means: “How to” develop accountability in relationships:

• It begins at HOME.
• In an atmosphere of LOVE.
• It must be voluntary and by PERMISSION.
• It must be SPECIFIC, not generic.
• It must be REGULAR, not sporadic.
• No more than 4 PEOPLE.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003