Coach: Ask your student to read out-loud the below title and the text in the two boxes. Then ask them to comment on how often they actually think one way versus the other way.
So, what’s all this got to do with distinguishing right from wrong?
If you see God as determining how right or wrong you are based on what you do, then the pressure on you will be a non-relenting burden that will always eventually result in futility. This will be for you an oppression and bondage—one that Satan has designed for you and delivered to our first parents in Genesis 3:1-7.
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On the other hand, if you see God as the one who provides you with goodness apart from what you do, you will see Jesus as your Sabbath Rest and you will rest in Him.
(Hebrews 4:9-10, 14, 16)So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. ...Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ...Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)
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An opportunity for spiritual training:
As you experience questions of right and wrong in your life, you will see these questions as either taking you into a futile bondage of your good works, or you will see them as leading you to rejoice in the heart of Jesus and to rest in His finished work.
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For Discussion with Your Coach:
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Coach: Please discuss these questions and Bible verses below with your student.
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- Thinking seriously and often about your motives helps you move from focusing on what you do to why you do it (James 1:14)But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (ESV). Discuss with you coach how you might apply this idea more in your life. Write down those ideas you may want to remember and practice.
- When actions are assessed as right or wrong based on justice or some moral code, then the heart is left unattended. When decisions are based on fear or pride, then you need to turn your heart and affections toward Jesus (Matthew 5:21-32)Anger. Discuss with you coach how you might apply this idea more in your life. Write down those ideas you may want to remember and practice.
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Lust
"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Divorce
"It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (ESV) - Principled decisions are those not based on universal laws of justice or ethics but on a heart that has been taken over by Jesus’ heart. What is right is a heart that is drawn to Jesus and what is wrong is a heart that is hiding from Him. Is this a true statement? If so, what are the implications for your life?
