Innocent Bystanders

By M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

1998054

Subject:  attitudes; priorities

Preached Originally: 11/1/98 – Rapid City, SD

07/06/2003 – Rapid City, SD

 

I.  Introduction.

A.    The Edomites descendants of Esau.  Had long been animosity b/t their people and people of Israel.

1.    2 Chron. 21:16-17 – Philistines/Arabs unite & launch devastating raid into Judah.

2.    Enter Jerusalem.  Take King Jehoram’s possessions, sons/wives captive.  This part of the punishment of God.

B.    BUT, while Jerusalem terrorized their relatives – the Edomites staying in their secure mountain homes watching.

1.    Obadiah 10-11 – Edom condemned by God for their inaction.  V. 11 – you were as one of them.

2.    Edomites could be called innocent bystanders, but God called them as one of the attackers.

C.   Who would most of the people identify as the bad guy?  Certainly the Philistines & Arabs.  They were the ones who actually did the attacking.  Edom wouldn’t be condemned by many – yet God did!

1.    This kind of attitude is represented in modern society.

a.    people don’t want to get involved.

b.    people witness woman raped/beaten/killed.  No one does anything.

2.    Think…how terrible. Sounds like the Edomites.

D.   Lk. 10:30-37 – Jesus illustrates the same principle here.

1.    Man robbed & left for dead.

2.    Priest/Levite walk by.  Refuse help.  Not much different from many today.

3.    Samaritan helps.  Hmmm….which were more guilty?  The robbers or the priest/Levite.

E.    What turns an innocent bystander into an evil bystander?

1.    Js. 4:17

2.    Remember this principle.  It will be ringing throughout the lesson today.  Ability + opportunity = responsibility.

3.    Fall short of responsibility?  Answer to God for that.

F.    We cannot be spectators…..

 

II.  When the Needy Need Help.

A.     Notice 1 Jhn. 3:17.  Can’t be spectators when the needy need help!  Notice the responsibility we have here!

1.    Are we looking for those who need help?

2.    Must use wisdom.

a.    people calling here at bldg.

b.    Must use discretion.  Some seem to know how to use right terms, etc. to get money.  Make living that way.

3.    However, can’t afford to overlook those who are in need! 

B.     1 Tim. 6:17-19

1.    Part of our work to watch out for one another.

2.    Are we prepared to help a needy bro/sis if necessary?

a.    part of their need might have come from bad judgment.

b.    However…who are we to have attitude … you made your bed – now lie in it.

c.     Does that involve compassion – something that is required of Christians?

d.    Although we can’t b/c a “welfare” or money lending institution – there might be times that fellow saints might need some help to get out of a bind. 

e.    The above attitude has caused some not even to ask for help when they need it most!

3.    Are we as a congregation prepared to help to help a bro/sis if necessary?

C.    Remember…Ability + Opportunity = Responsibility!

1.    Prov. 24:11-12

a.    we have responsibility to look out for one another.

b.    We are family

2.    How are we doing?

 

III.  When the Lost Need the Gospel.

A.    Millions around world die each year w/o hearing the gospel.  What are we doing about it?

1.     can’t be spectators.  Notice the command in Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15.

2.     Doesn’t sound as if Jesus wants us to sit around.

B.    Some ask: Why leave & go to Ukraine?  Why leave work in SD to help w/work over there?

1.    Why not?  We’re greatly blessed in USA. 

2.    Can’t afford to sit back & be comfortable while the rest of the world is lost!

C.   Lost here?  Certainly!  All of us need to strive to reach them!

1.    Lk. 19:10 – are we disciples?  Are we following after the mission of Jesus?

a.    Part of being a disciple is seeking & saving the lost!

2.    Not all have to go overseas!  Are we willing to be spectators when it comes to spreading the gospel?

D.   How is our attitude when it comes about telling others about Jesus?

1.      Mk. 5:19-20 – Jesus wants those who believe in Him to tell others about Him!

a.    certainly…he has done much for us.

b.    Certainly…he has been compassionate for us.

c.     All we have to do is OPEN OUR MOUTH & plant the seeds of the gospel!  Each one of us has the ability to do this.

2.      Notice Rom. 1:14-16 – Attitude of Paul.  Desires to tell everyone he possibly can about the gospel? We share this spirit?

E.    2 Kings 7:9 – lepers stumble into Syrian camp.  Find food, water, money, horses, etc. 

1.    knew that it would be wrong to keep all this to themselves.

2.    How many people in the world/friends/associates/ know about:

a.      How wonderful it is to sing w/o IM?  Many think that impossible.

b.      How wonderful it is to understand Bible w/o a theology professor.

c.      How wonderful it is to know true hospitality.

d.      They need to be let in on our feast!

3.    Need not keep feast to ourselves!  Tell others about it!

 

IV.  When the Erring Need Correction.

A.     Lk. 17:3 – precedent set into motion by Jesus Himself!  Not always easy to do this!  NASV – Be on guard!

1.     When someone sins – you can’t be a spectator – Must look out for each other!  Notice precedent set in Mt. 18:15-17.

a.    not always easy to do this.

b.    Use excuse of hurting feelings.  Rationalize it will do no good – they won’t change their mind.

c.     TRANSLATED – I don’t want to do what God expects me to do.  Remember Lk. 17:3

2.     Some act is if hurting feelings are the worst type of evil!

a.    consider 2 Thess. 3:14 – that he may be ashamed.

b.    Hard to be ashamed w/o hurting feelings.  Going to be necessary from time to time.

1.    keeps all of us humble!

2.    May have to suffer a loss of face from time to time.

B.     Gal. 6:1-2 – must go to person in spirit of gentleness – not haughtiness.

C.    Remember: that it natural/defensive to react w/hurt feelings.

1.    Don’t like it at time.  But…open honest heart will take & examine what is being said & consider whether or not it is true.

2.    2 Cor. 7:8-10 – notice what happened to Corinthian brethren.

a.    got their toes stomped on by Paul in 1st letter.

b.    Long term – better off b/c of it!  Suffered loss of faith – but their soul OK.

D.    When rebuked: the spiritual man – one who really concerned w/serving God – will understand, repent, & suffer no loss.

E.     Natural man – concerned only a/b himself – will turn tables on one who comes to him by:

1.    hurting/maligning the bro/sis.

2.    Hold a grudge.

a.      seek to hurt/destroy rep. Of bro/sis who only feeling responsibility!

b.      Hold onto hurt – some even to death.

c.       Die w/spotted/blemished soul.

3.    Js. 5:19-20 – despite this we can’t be spectators when our brethren need correction.  Remember:  ability + opportunity = responsibility.

 

V.  When the Wicked Need Rebuke.

A.    Lk. 3:19 – notice example of John the Baptist. 

1.    didn’t go about it disrespectfully.  Simply state that he violating God’s law.

2.    Fulfilled responsibility.  Herod couldn’t claim no one told him.  John warned him!

3.    Don’t have right to ignore wrong – just like Edomites!

B.    Eph. 5:11 – have no fellowship w/unfruitful works of darkness.

1.    not always pleasant.

a.    workplace:  associates use filthy language; tell dirty jokes; etc.

b.    tell them that it is wrong? Stand up for what God would have us to do!

C.   No time to be a spectator when it comes to this!

1.      Silence in such situations condones them & will only condemn us!

 

VI.  When Brethren Need a Defense!

A.    Paul – 2 Tim. 4:9-10; 16

1.      at end of life.  Been struggling w/physical infirmity – need clothing b/c in a cold prison cell.

a.    dark, damp, uncomfortable. 2nd imprisonment – end near.

2.      Notice v. 16 – no one stood w/him.  No one came to his defense.

a.    brethren in Rome.  Church there. Close – could have helped!

B.    Mt. 25:40 – how do you feel about disciples forsaking Christ?

1.    How dare them!

2.    Now make the application to us.  Way we treat others is the way we treat Christ!

C.   How do you feel about your brethren?

1.      when brother stands up for something – are you supporting him?  Encouraging him?

a.    men here who preach/teach.  Some in my absence over the next few weeks. 

b.    Bible class teachers, others who do things for the Lord.

2.      Or…carping at them.  Criticizing them.  NOTHING more discouraging to the bro/sis who stands up.  No wonder why so many unwilling to stand up to do more!

D.   Are you willing to defend a fellow Christian who stands up & takes the lead?  Especially when they need it?

E.    Many of us not will always be the one standing up & taking the need – but we can support & get behind the one who does.

F.    Remember, the way we treat others = the way we treat Christ.

 

VII.  Conclusion.

A.    Christianity is NOT a spectator sport!

1.     can’t be an innocent bystander when it comes to any of the things we have talked about today!

2.     If Edomites/Priest/Levite judged unworthy by God for their inaction – so will we!

B.    If you think that you can walk in each wk, sit in pew, and not get involved w/brethren – who do you think you are?

1.    Who are you to go along for the ride?

2.    Who are you to act like YOU don’t have any responsibility?

C.   Must get involved w/one another!  Must do whatever necessary to be pleasing to God.

D.   No room for spectators in kingdom of Christ.

1.    get involved.

2.    1 Cor. 16:13 – STAND UP FOR CHRIST.

E.    Not a Christian – we’re going to stand in moment for invitation.  Come forward responding to the gospel.

F.    I N V I T A T I O N