First Place

From First to Third
Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

In Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell tells the story of the now-famous Flight 401, a plane that crashed in the Everglades of Florida. As the plane approached Miami for its landing, the light that indicates proper deployment of the landing gear failed to light. The plane flew in a large, looping circle over the swamps of the Everglades while the cockpit crew checked to see if the gear actually had not deployed, or if instead the bulb in the signal light was defective. When the flight engineer tried to remove the light bulb, it wouldn’t budge, and the other members of the crew tried to help him. As they struggled with the bulb, no one noticed the aircraft was losing altitude, and the plane simply flew right into the swamp. Dozens of people were killed in the crash. While an experienced crew of high-priced pilots fiddled with a 75-cent light bulb, the plane with its passengers flew right into the ground.

We often allow the little things in life to trip us up while losing sight of what’s most important. In this lesson, we will discuss priorities and what should take the seat of honor in our hearts.

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Exodus 20:1-6

  • What are the first two of the Ten Commandments?

  • Why does God insist on taking first place in your heart?

  • The Lord calls himself jealous. Isn’t jealousy a sin? How can a righteous God be jealous?

Isaiah 48:9-11

  • What did God say he did with his people’s affliction?

  • How can the Lord give meaning to our suffering?

  • What is the purpose behind our creation and our lives? (see also Isa. 43:7).

Matthew 6:25-34

  • What causes anxiety in our lives? What’s wrong with being anxious?

  • How does Jesus comfort the anxious?

  • Psalm 119:24 calls the testimonies of the Lord our “counselors,” and Romans 15:4 speaks of the “encouragement” of the Scriptures that gives “hope.” What are some Bible passages that bring you comfort in hard times?

  • What does Jesus say we should seek first? What promise accompanies this command?

Luke 10:38-42

  • What did Martha do wrong?

  • What did Mary do right?

  • Why is it sometimes hard to choose what is best over what is good?

Philippians 3:12-14

  • Paul admits he wasn’t perfect. How does that honesty help us set realistic priorities in our walk with Christ?

  • How does Paul’s “one thing” focus challenge the way we often scatter our energy across too many priorities?

  • What did the apostle do to keep the “prize” before him?

  • What are some modern-day distractions that can keep us from pressing toward the heavenly prize?

Patrick Burch
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First Adam