Margins in Morals

Margins in Morals
3 Things We Know:
-Everyone has moral limits whether they are self-imposed, spiritually-imposed, or legally-imposed
-Everybody agrees they exist. Where is the limit?
-We're wired to want to know where the limit is, and we're tempted to live at that limit

Culture Sends 2 Messages:
-Go as far as you can go
-If you cross a line, you're in trouble
***Fear takes over, and it makes you think you need to reach the limit

For Christ Followers:
1 Corinthians 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.”
-Run away from sexual temptations; don't flirt with the limits
-Sexual sin is worse and more serious than any other sin because you're sinning against your own body
-John 15-abide in Jesus – not in sin

Sexual Sin
-Living on the edge = moral disaster
-Sexual sin's consequences are deeper and longer lasting than other scars
-Consequences and scars can/will ruin your life
-Come back from the edge
-Emotional and mental health are linked with moral limits
-Relationships suffer when scars take over

What do we do?
-Pre-describe your moral limits NOW
***Culture and fear will hurt you! Ignore them
-The deeper you are in moral sin, the more extreme your measures will have to be
-Find the healthy margins
-What is the furthest limit you want your future spouse to reach? Don't go further than that!
-PROTECTION-Protect the one you are in a relationship with (even if it's not your future spouse). Protect them from sexual immorality for their future spouse.
-Obedience opens the door for you to be able to share the gospel.

Margins in Finances

-Fight Fears and “What if's”
-The Lie: if I only I could make more money then __________
-The Truth: If I could only spend less money then __________
-More money will not solve problems!
-If you don't have financial margins, you rob God and yourself of peace, relationships, and stability
-Psalm 67:1-2
-Malachi 3:7-12

What to Do:
-Determine available income
-Set your margin goals: Percent you give, save, and live on
-Develop a plan to reach goals – BUDGET
-Test God in your budget

Take your paycheck:
1st-10% goes to God
2nd-10% goes to savings
3rd-Mandatory bills
4th-Other expenses

Margins in Time

1. Realizing that Your Days are numbered by God
-Psalm 90:12
-We have limits!!
-Listen to what God is telling you. Tune out fear!
-Ephesians 5:15-16, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

2. Prioritize accordingly when you understand number 1
-Priority determines capacity-don't reverse it
-Just because your calendar has a space doesn't mean you have to fill it
-Fear says, “What if?” - -Don't listen!

3. Make spending time alone with God a priority
-Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
-Be moldable in God's hands
-Be able to say “no” to unnecessary things
-There is peace and productivity in margins
-God's a very productive God! :)
-You have limits but God does not!
-Fear: Fear says, “I'll never make it.” It is an idol-define your idol. Fear is NOT from God!

4. Pray for:
-Recognizing that your days are numbered
-Prioritizing
-Spending time alone with God
-No fear!