Recommending Our Religion
FILING INFORMATION:
1999040
Subject: growth;
attitudes
Preached Originally: 07/11/99 – Rapid City, SD
Introduction
A. Text of this morning’s lesson found in 2 Cor. 3:1-6.
1. Paul here commends the Corinthian brethren for their stance in the gospel.
2. Many of them had been faithful Christians & had ceased living worldly lives.
a) they had given themselves over to Christ
b) they had applied the teachings of the Spirit.
B. What a compliment in v. 2-3 – you are an epistle of Christ – known & read by all men.
1. those around them could see changes they made for better – specifically 1 Cor. 6:9-11 – they ceased their former behavior.
2. Change took place w/in their heart – making their actions pleasing to God.
C. Could the same compliment be paid to you by God today?
1. Does those around you see & understand that you are a Christian?
2. Can they readily see the changes that you have made in your life?
a) is your life a testimony to Jesus Christ?
b) Not saying that we go out & broadcast our life/actions – but if we are truly doing right – our lives will speak for themselves.
D. Want to talk today about “Recommending our Religion.”
1. recommend things that we believe in. Things we think highly of. Things we put our trust in.
2. Dodge trucks; good Mexican food; local businesses; local business people.
3. Do we recommend our religion to others?
a) not supposed to talk about politics/religion today in many circles.
b) How can recommend our religion?
c) by demonstrating to others in our actions that Christianity means something to us.
4. How concerned are we about saving souls here?
a) are each one of us striving to find lost souls & bring them in?
b) needs to be a higher priority in our lives.
c) Take the time to make the commitment to recommend your religion.
d) If we will all concentrate in this manner, we will grow both spiritually & numerically.
I. We can recommend our religion by applying Scriptures to our life.
A. having Bible knowledge essential to faithful Christians who walk w/God.
1. many of us stand out above other religious people in denominationalism – when it comes to Bible knowledge. But…can we do better?
2. Notice Acts 17:11-12.
a) they willing to hear it. They didn’t close their eyes to the light of the truth.
b) They examined the things that were so – applied the truth. This involves a most humble/tender heart.
1) truth does not fear scrutiny.
2) Anytime you hear something taught contrary to Scripture..you have opportunity to talk to speaker & if corrections need to be made…they will.
3) Falls in line w/1 Thess. 5:21.
4) Test…w/what? The Scriptures. Must HOLD every religious practice up to the light of the truth.
c) Not just the preachers job!
d) Many content to pass job off on preacher – so they won’t have to do it – rationalize – that’s what we’re paying him for.
e) Not so!
1) find scripture that says preacher of greater resp. in this area than any other Christian!
2) Find scripture that supports idea that when problem arises – take it to preacher & let him work it out.
3) Brethren….YOU have RESPONSIBILITY to work out YOUR problems. Problem w/bro – go to him directly!
4) Not careful….we’ll bring the pastor system into the Lord’s body.
B. How many of us heed the admonition written in 2 Tim. 2:15 by Paul? Be diligent to show yourself approved. Not JUST the preacher!
1. perhaps we need to evaluate ourselves! How much are we studying?
2. Many are busy.
a) which is/what is supposed to be the higher priority?
b) Are we taking advantage of the study opportunities offered by this congregation?
1) ladies class.
2) New bible class in John at the Allen’s.
3) Sunday School classes
4) Sun PM & Wed PM worship services.
3. Need to consider 2 Pet. 1:5-9; 3:18
a) notice v. 9 – how many of us are spiritually blind when it comes to Bible knowledge?
b) Terrible thing to be blind physically. We often don’t give much thought to being spiritually blind.
c) Consider 3:18
d) We need to be recommending our religion by our study. As we apply the teachings found w/in Scripture we will the changes w/in our lives. Others will see them as well. How are you doing?
II. We recommend our religion by our manner of life.
A. by being an example to others.
1. Mt. 5:16 – light of the world.
2. Talk to young people. Many of the problems they deal with boil down to a matter of influence.
a) same true of adult situations.
b) Keeping our influence up (the way it should be) will keep one unspotted from the world.
c) Others around us are looking.
B. Titus 2:11-13
1. how much of a commitment do we have to live godly in the present age?
2. Could it be said that we are living righteously? The one who lives righteously WILL look forward to the return of Christ.
C. Need to make sure that we are not being hypocritical as the Jews in Paul’s times were.
1. Rom. 2:21-24 – Jews of the day – blatant in their hypocrisy.
2. Many today blatant in their hypocrisy in the church.
a) pray wonderful prayer
b) talk the talk – but fail to walk the walk here & there.
D. Js. 1:22-25 – must apply what we do in our actions. Our manner of life needs to give glory to God.
1. glory to God in our actions & by our speech – v. 26
2. by our benevolent acts of kindness. – v. 27.
III. We recommend our religion by our support.
A. Heb. 10:24-26
1. by our being present at services every opportunity.
2. Consider this:
a) if you are a member here…YOU have a responsibility to be present at every opportunity.
b) YOU have a responsibility to edify YOUR brethren. Heb. Writer makes an imperative command.
c) If you WILLFULLY neglect this – what does that show/indicate to others about your concern on spiritual matters? What does God think?
B. We support the Lord’s work financially.
1. giving up lately. Need to continue in present trend.
2. 2 Cor. 9:7 – still need to evaluate our giving & ask ourselves if we could do better.
3. Many projects around here to support.
C. Need to support the work by getting involved.
1. 1 Cor. 15:58
2. get involved by:
a) having young people over in your home.
b) The work of evangelism going on here.
c) New ideas are always needed.
3. need to keep in mind the contents of last part of 15:58. Work not in vain.
4. Rom. 12:11 – not lagging in diligence. Are you diligent? Only YOU can know true answer to this.
IV. By telling others what Jesus has done for you.
A. Where would you be w/o Jesus Christ?
1. Coming to Christ & living godly life will contribute to our happiness in this life.
2. Phil. 4:4 – have much to rejoice about.
a) forgiveness of sin – Acts 8:39 – like the Eunuch
b) hope of eternal life.
c) Brotherhood of wonderful brethren who help us through life’s trials.
d) Improved quality of life – godly family. Rejoice in these things.
e) Prayer Phil. 4:6-7.
B. Phil. 4:11-13
1. live our lives contently & with a confident expectation of the life that is to come.
2. Requires a humble heart & one that is set on spiritual things.
3. Involves our telling others around us what Jesus has done for us. They should be able to see our happiness!
a) hear denominational people speak readily about their convictions & Jesus.
b) Need to do the same – we have the truth.
V. By being ready to give an answer.
A. Goes back to 1st part of lesson. Study important. Will enable us to do just that – give an answer.
1. 1 Pet. 3:15-17 – notice….be prepared!
a) not only in study
b) not only in inquiries
c) but in actions as well! See v. 16-17.
2. if you answer Bible questions with Bible answers – people impressed. They see you know what you talking about.
B. Col. 4:6
1. give an answer. Not in haughty/better than you tone.
2. Humbly…considering the one who you are talking to.
C. Rom. 1:16 –
1. sharing the gospel with others.
2. Showing them the way of salvation. Showing the salvation on God’s terms.
Conclusion
A. Back to text: 2 Cor. 3:1-6
1. notice example of Corinthian brethren.
2. They were recommending their religion – by their actions & attitude.
B. How are you doing? Are you recommending or degrading your religion?
C. This = serious.
1. need to strive to be the kind of person God would have us to be.
2. Do you part!
D. I N V I T A T I O N