Corps of Cadets

Study

1 Corinthians 15:33

Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

What does the Bible say about how you should choose your friends?

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

How can you apply these verses to your college life?

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Do you think that Joshua is suggesting that we choose in the moment who we will serve or decide ahead time? How does this apply to moral situations?

Matthew 6:33

But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

What does Matthew say is our top priority? How will God reward this?

Jude 17-18

But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.”

What does Jude say that Christians should expect especially those trying to faithfully follow the Lord?

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

Would you say that Paul would agree that our faith is to be lived in isolation or community? What is his reason?

As a cadet in the Corps you need to...

• Choose your close friends wisely knowing that they will have the greatest influence on you. (1 Cor. 15:33)
• Fight hard not to conform to certain aspects of college culture that dishonor the Lord. (Rom. 12:1-2)
• Decide right NOW how are you are going to act in moral situations and have a plan to resist temptations. (Josh. 24:15)
• Show grace and love to those who mock or scoff you for being faithful to Christ. (Matt. 6:33)
• Struggle well to live a balanced life and make God your first priority by committing yourself to growing in your walk with the Lord in this time. (Jude 17-18)
• Place yourself in good Christian community and make a commitment to being discipled. (1 Thes. 5:11)

Discussion

• How can you still be a part of your whole buddy class although only one or two might be faithful Christians?
• How can you prevent yourself from conforming to culture that dishonors the Lord?
• What is your plan to decide how you are going to act in certain situations?
• How can you prevent yourself from giving off a "Holier than thou" vibe?
• How do you plan to make God a priority in your college life?
• If you do not have someone discipling you, would like to find someone?

Final Thoughts

These are some of the most important years of your life. You are setting yourself up for the rest of your life. Will you start your adult life deciding to follow, serve, and grow in the Lord? I guarantee you it will be the most valuable thing you can do. God will bless that mightily and you will set a strong foundation for your career, marriage, parenting, and every other endeavor and relationship!

2 Chronicles 16:9a

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him