2008 Grad Service at 24.7

Temptation 5: Par-tay!

It's Friday night, and a little voice says, "College is your last chance (or maybe your first) to really party before entering the 'real world.' And besides, who's going to get hurt if you drink a few beers, do a few drugs, look at pornography or sleep with someone here and there? Just have fun!"

Strategy: Plan faithful fun
Find friends who want to have fun, but who want to honor God. Commit to accountability with them. Be an initiator! Plan a party of your own that involves good food, good music, good movies, etc., but leaves out the drugs, alcohol and sexual immorality.

The Word: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (see also Genesis 39), "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"

Temptation 4: Giving in to promiscuity

Dorm life, even on a Christian college campus, can mean three things: freedom, loneliness and a lot more time with the opposite sex. That's not all bad, but it opens the door to sexual temptations. Add to that pressure from friends and the media to "get a boy/girl friend" or "get more physical," and this is a serious danger zone.

Strategy: Make a plan now
Decide before you get to college how you will handle sexual temptation. What are your limits? How committed are you to sexual purity?
Remember that it's God's will for you not only to remain physically pure, but to guard your heart as well. Learn how to develop godly friendships with both guys and girls and have fun hanging out in groups. Limit the amount of time you're alone in one-on-one situations, even if you feel strongly about the other person.

The Word: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Temptation 3: Buying into the "no moral absolutes" lie

If you go to a secular university you will be told, in one way or another, that most worldviews, philosophies and religions are equally good. Nothing can be known for sure. "If it works for you, go for it!"

Your Profs and peers might try to make you feel silly about believing that Jesus is the only way to God. You might want to fudge your beliefs just a little to be accepted.
Strategy: Commit to representing Christ to your campus

Don't be surprised that non-Christians don't agree with you. Turn it around, and make your campus your mission field! You'll be amazed at how your own faith grows when you're loving and reaching out to others.

The Word: John 14:6 (check out Acts 4:12 and the rest of Acts as well), "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Temptation 2: Doubting your faith

Too many Christian teens ride into college on their parents' faith. When challenged by intelligent and reasonable sounding but unbelieving professors and students, they're more likely to shrug off their faith because they don't own it, or harbor doubts without really looking for the answers.
Strategy: Ask the right people the hard questions

There are answers to the tough questions about what we believe. Dig in for yourself. Get to know the specifics of your faith. Ask wise and trusted Christians about your doubts and questions before you go to college, if possible. With their help, you will be able to boldly defend your faith when others challenge you.

When you get to college, be sure to hook up with a solid local church where you can find community, biblical teaching, wise counsel and accountability.

The Word: 1 Peter 3:14-15, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.’Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'"

Temptation 1: Letting your relationship with God slide

During your first months at college, you might feel overwhelmed with your classes (this ain't high school, baby!) and all the activities going on around you. You'll have sporting events to attend, roommates to get to know, midnight coffee (or ice cream or taco) runs. It will be easy for God to get squeezed out of your schedule.

Strategy: Make an appointment
College is definitely not the time to drift away from Jesus. The key is to set aside time each day to talk to God and dig into His Word. Stick to that appointment! Think of it as your most important class of the day -- and pay attention to what your Teacher has to say.

The Word: Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

Pastor Joe