The actions and attitudes of authentic Christ followers have always been “different.” “What” are we doing and “Why” are we doing it?

“The secular world never understands Christian motivation. Faced with the question of what makes Christians tick, unbelievers maintain that Christianity is practiced only out of self-serving purposes. They see Christians as fearing the consequences of not being Christians (religion as fire insurance), or feeling the need of help and support to achieve their goals (religion as a crutch), or wishing to sustain a social identity (religion as a badge of respectability). No doubt all these motivations can be found among the membership of the churches: it would be futile to dispute that. …From the plan of salvation I learn that the true driving force in authentic Christian living is, and ever must be, not the hope of gain, but the heart of gratitude.” – J.I. Packer

Application Questions

What constitutes a correct view of the material world? Of the body?

Have I been a recipient of God’s mercy? When? How?

What are some implications of being a “living sacrifice?”

How do I know God’s opinion of me matters?

Do I struggle with motivation in holy living? Bad motives? Good motives?