A Checkup on Our Manner
by: Matt Allen
FILING INFORMATION:
96053
10/06/96 -
Cyclone, KY
I.
Introduction.
A.
Our text is found in Heb.
10:24-25….. We often associate
this passage with the necessity of being present at each and every
service. You probably are thinking
since I have read this verse this morning we are going to spend our time
talking about the importance of attending all the services of the church.
1.
It is true that we need to
understand that it is essential for the Christian to attend the services
whenever possible.
2. It is also true that faithful attendance is not considered to be that important to many people anymore.
3. The Bible is very specific to this problem, especially here in this verse.
B.
But today, in this lesson,
we wish to look at the passage in a different light. Notice the phrase as
is the manner of some. In verse 25.
1.
it is from this phrase, in
which we will build our lesson around today.
2. Webster’s defines manners as: (1) A way of doing something. (2) The way in which a think is done or takes place. Or (3) characteristic bearing or behavior.
a.
I believe that all 3 of
these definitions have something to do with our lesson today.
3.
From the passage in Heb.
10:25, the behavior of some was to forsake the assembly. Their behavior, or their manner, was
not pleasing to God.
C.
In our lesson today, we are
going to take a look at our lives and examine how our manner is. Just as we go to the dr. every year for
a physical, a checkup, we need to do some checking up on our spiritual lives
and examine:
1.
How are our actions? Are they pleasing to God?
2. How do we react to situations that confront us? Would we react to said situation in a way as to be an example to others?
3. Is our attitude & behavior something that Christ would be proud of?
D.
Surely, it is plain to see
from this passage that our manner/actions/attitude is important. The manner of the people in this text
was not pleasing to God. They
needed some correction in their lives.
1.
You may feel that as one
person you and your actions are unimportant. But it is. We
use this feeling to rationalize away many of the things we do. As a result:
a.
we become blind to our own
actions.
b. when problems are presented about us from someone/something else, we refuse to admit our mistakes.
c. some look at it as a personal attack.
d. some look at it as if they don’t care what those around them feel.
2.
When we see we need to
correct our manner, we need to do so willingly and with the right attitude.
II.
A Check-up on Our Manner.
A.
Is it Christ Like?
1.
the very name we wear is Christian. To wear the name Christian implies that we are striving to be “Christ-like.” When we attach the 3-letter phrase ian to a word, it means that we are “of something.” For example:
a.
of Philadelphia? Then you’re a Philidelphian.
b. of Monroe county? Then you’re a Monroe countian.
c. to be a Christian identifies not just a simple religious affiliation, but it is a way of life.
2.
We are trying to imitate and
follow in the example of Jesus Christ & the way He lived His life here upon
the earth.
a.
is our manner, the way we do
things, it is Christ-like?
b. would Christ participate in questionable activities, or subject Himself to temptations willingly? Would Christ behave & conduct himself as some of us do?
c. many try to straddle the fence. Be as much like Christ, but hold on to the old habits. Let’s look at an example of one whose actions were not Christ like.
3.
Diotrophes - 3 Jhn. 9-11.
a.
Most scholars believe that
this man was an elder of the church in which John was writing to. He was either appointed in this
leadership position, or forced his way into it. That is not what we’re considering. Look at his actions - his manner:
1.
v. 9 loves to have the
preeminence among the brethren. He
thought he was better than the rest - deserved special treatment.
2. v. 10 prating or talking nonsense against John & his associates.
3. v. 10 forbids them who are supportive of the apostle John & his associates.
4. does this sound familiar? Would it be wrong to say that we have some in the church today who behave this way?
a.
many brethren let their
pride get in the way of doing what is right.
b. many of us slander our brethren without just cause as if it were no big deal.
b. it is clear that Diotrophes had his mind set on himself
only. Too many do that today.
1.
Christianity to them is that
which only suits them.
a.
don’t agree with a
passage? Overlook it. Ignore it. Simply deny that you’re
guilty of it.
b.
some take things as far as
Diotrophes - try to “run” congregation and control things in a way which is pleasing
only to them.
c.
what was the mind of Christ
set upon? Himself or others?
1.
Luke 22:42
2.
what if Christ had solely
been concerned with what he wanted to do and not focus upon the mission @ hand?
3.
Luke 19:10
d.
too many of us are concerned
only with what happens with us. We
focus upon our own problems, our own interests, & neglect the mission at
hand.
e.
what is the mission of a
Christian? (1) obey the gospel;
(2) to live faithfully; (3) to bring others to Him; (4) strengthen the brethren
4.
Let us consider another
aspect of the Christ-like manner which we should posses.
a.
Rom. 8:5-9 - being
Christlike means that we should put away the things of this world & focus
upon spiritual things.
1.
v. 5 - can’t have the mind
set on the flesh & Christ @ the same time. You will set your mind on one or the other. No in-between.
a.
consequences of carnal/fleshly
mind: death, i.e., separation from
God.
b.
v. 8 - those who are in the
flesh - those who are not behaving Christ like, cannot please God.
c.
benefits of spiritual/Christ-like
mindset/manner…v. 7 life & peace.?
b. Christ stood up to the world. Many of us succumb to it’s temptations.
c.
Are we being Christlike in
this regard?
5.
Another example of a
Christlike example we should have and consider is found in Phil. 2:4-5
a.
v. 5 - let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…
1.
talking about humility
thorough the death, burial, & resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2.
v. 4 - being concerned for
others.
3.
v. 14-15 not murmuring &
complaining: result of pride/lack
of humility.
6. Are our actions Christ like> Are we truly placing ourselves in the pattern that He set?
B.
Does My Manner Prompt
Teaching?
1.
We know that in the
Scriptures, the actions of some prompted teaching. Their actions incited those were in the church to reinforce
themselves against their efforts.
a.
Heb. 3:12-13: some were departing from the
faith. They had lost their faith
in Jesus Christ.
b.
maybe we should ask the
question: does my manner reveal
that I need further teaching? Do
my actions reveal that I am not as strong as I should be?
2.
In v. 12 some had departed
in unbelief.
a.
does unbelief happen over
night? (Wake up one morning &
be unbeliever?) not usually!
b.
usually (90% of the time)
the process of becoming an unbeliever is a slow process from:
1.
a lack of teaching,
2.
a lack of desire for study
& being with other Christians.
3.
unbelief settles in when
there is not a feeling of togetherness among brethren.
c.
those who depart in unbelief
usually show signs long before they leave that they are in need of some
spiritual food. It becomes plain
to see that they are being starved spiritually.
3.
How can we depart in
unbelief?
a.
doesn’t always have to be
false teaching…
b.
we can unbelieve (a lack of
faith) by failing to commit our whole life to Jesus Christ.
c.
we can unbelieve (a lack of
faith) by failing to take time out to study the word of God
d.
this reveals that we need
further teaching in His word.
4.
How can we combat this
problem? How can we correct our
manner?
a.
v. 13 of Heb. 3 - by
exhorting one another daily.
1.
by being together, studying
together, getting to know one another.
2.
we don’t do enough of this
anymore!
a.
ever felt down? Discouraged? Receive call from a fellow
Christian that just makes you feel better.
b.
that sense of togetherness -
knowing brethren care about you really helps!
b. be concerned with one another. V. 13 - be concerned about their souls.
1.
how many of us would protect
a bro/sis from physical death? Every 1 of us!
2.
But what about spiritual
death? We use excuses:
a.
I don’t want to get involved!
b.
That’s His problem, he deal with it.
c.
We might run him off, we better not say anything!
3.
The above actions reveal
that we need further teaching in the word of God.
5. Jude 3 - contend for the faith - earnestly! (with diligence!)
a.
can’t do this if we don’t
have our priorities in the right place.
C.
Is My Manner Leading Me to
Destruction?
1.
How can our actions/manner
lead us to destruction?
a.
by sinning willfully.
1.
which means sinning &
knowing we are sinning & doing it anyway!
2.
Heb. 10:26-31
a.
the people in this passage
had knowledge of the truth. They
knew what it was to do wrong & know the consequences of it. (Maybe they had heard Paul say as he
told the Romans in 3:23: the wages of sin
is death.
b.
when we sin willfully, we
know we are in danger of hellfire.
c.
when we sin willfully, we
trample the Son of God under foot, we say in effect I don’t care what you did for me Jesus, I going to do it anyway!
d.
when we do this - read v. 31.
3.
We must realize that many of
the sins we commit are done willingly. In other words, we choose to sin. We make the decision to do so.
a.
if we do not ask for
forgiveness & correct our manner we are headed for destruction.
b.
by a lack of service.
1.
Mt. 25:14-30
a.
some people’s manner is as
this unprofitable servants. Do nothing.
b.
expect to receive reward for
no service rendered.
2.
We can have an unprofitable
manner. This in unpleasing to the Lord.
3.
result in v. 30
4.
Is your manner leading you
to destruction?
III.
How Should Our
Manner Be?
A.
Psa. 122:1 - I was glad when they said to me, “let us go
into the house of the Lord.”
1.
do we have this attitude?
a.
some consider religion a
drudgery or a dread.
2.
actions speak louder than
words.
a.
we can say we love it, but
our manner reveals all.
b.
Luke 6:45
3.
Do we love doing things for
Christ? Those around us can tell.
a.
sentence sermon in bull. The
other day: it is hard to sell a product you do not use and a religion you do not
live.
b.
Acts 2:42 - continued
steadfastly.
1.
means they were working
together. Cared for one another.
2.
can see that they honestly
were working together. Caused
growth. Can we say the same about
ourselves?
IV.
The Manner of
Some Should Concern Us.
A.
Gal. 6:1-2 - a spirit of
concern for others is necessary for the Christian.
1.
are we looking after one
another?
2.
remember Heb. 3:13 - b/c
hardened through the deceitfulness of sin?
a.
we shouldn’t want any of our
brethren to become hardened.
b.
what does it mean to become
hardened? Alcohol example…
c.
sin is a disease.
3.
we should do our part to
help one another fight sin.
B.
Back to text: Heb. 10:24-25
1.
consider one another!
2.
stir up one another!
3.
we are a family! Need to treat one another like we are.
V.
Conclusion.
A.
What is My manner?
1.
After today’s check-up do I need
to make corrections in my life?
2.
after we go to the dr. and
have physical & something wrong - he prescribes something to take care of
the problem.
a.
fat? Exercise.
b.
sick? Medicine.
3.
We have had a spiritual
checkup today.
a.. is your manner Christ
like? If not, then you need to
strive to be Christ like. Follow
in the example of Christ and the apostles.
b.
do your actions reveal that
you need further teaching? Then
make the commitment to grow in the grace & knowledge of Jesus Christ.
c.
is you manner leading you to
destruction? Then make the corrections
necessary.
B.
If you aren’t a Christian,
then your manner is leading you
straight toward destruction. Without Christ, you have NO hope of salvation. Why not come to Christ today!
C.
If you are subject, then
please come!