Sermons

S.R. 2 Peter 1:1-11 

Introduction

1. Going back to school is exciting and frightening. (2 Peter 1:5f; Micah 6:8)
2. The Leader in Me. Sean Covey and Muriel Summers. How Schools are inspiring the leader in every student.

Outline

1. Be Proactive
   1. Be a self–starter. Don’t wait to be asked. Take the initiative. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
   2. I am responsible for myself.
      1. I take initiative and don’t make excuses.
      2. I choose how to act, how I feel and what I do.
      3. I do what is right without being asked, even when no one is looking.
   3. Take Heed to yourself and to your teaching (1 Timothy 4:16; Colossians 4:17).
2. Begin with the End in Mind
   1. “I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen.”
   2. I set goals for myself.
      1. Parents – plant a vision of what your children can be.
      2. Jesus was always planning with the end in mind (Luke 2:49; 9:51; Hebrews 12:1)
      3. Paul had a clear vision of where he was going. (Philippians 3:13-14; Acts 19:21)
   3. I think about what I want to be when I grow up and how I will get there.
3. Put First Things First
   1. I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.
   2. God and God’s people come before personal pleasure and recreation.
   3. I know what my responsibilities are and I do them based on what is most important.
   4. I practice self-control. Why? In order to participate in the divine nature.
4. Think Win-Win
   1. I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. When conflicts arise, I look for options that work for all involved.
   2. God doesn’t want anyone to perish. (2 Peter 3:9)
   3. God wants us to save self and all those around us (2 Timothy 4:16)
   4. We don’t have to put others down to get what we want. (Titus 2:11)
   5. When there is conflict I seek truth and kindness. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
5. Seek First to Understand – then to be Understood.
   1. “I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting... I look people in the eyes when talking.”
   2. I will listen to others before I talk! (Proverbs 10:19)
   3. I try to understand other peoples’ point of view especially when their opinion is different than mine.
6. Synergize – I know that together is better.
   1. “I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone. I am humble.”
   2. God knows that together is better, (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12).
7. Sharpen the Saw. Find the balance in life.
   1. “I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with my family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just in school. I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.”
   2. I keep my body healthy when I exercise, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep.
   3. I enjoy learning new things. (Philippians 3:8-14)
8. Seven Principles of Life
   1. Be Proactive
   2. Begin with the end in Mind
   3. Put First Things First
   4. Think Win-Win
   5. Seek First to Understand – Then to be Understood
   6. Synergize – I know that Together is Better
   7. Sharpen the Saw – Find the Balance in Life