Consistency & Conduct

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000018

Subject: Christian Attitudes

Preached Originally: 03/19/00; 08/18/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.     Phil. 1:27.  Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

1.    Scriptures exhort us to carry over our beliefs into action. 

2.    Keep in mind the world is looking!

3.    How is our conduct in:

a)        Mt. 5:14-16 - How strong is our light?

b)        Attitude?  Speech? Deeds? Dress? Steadfastness? Desires?

c)        Inconsistency kills our influence!

B.    The Corinthian brethren had a big problem w/consistency.

1.    One point in time – they believed one thing.  But then would drift away from that to something else.

2.    Claimed to be part of Christ – yet tolerated sin.  Bragged about spiritual gifts, and the like – but refused to fellowship with their brethren.

3.    1 Cor. 4:16 – urged to imitate & follow Paul as he lived his life.

C.    We must learn to be consistent!  Often easier said than done. 

1.    Key:  holding ourselves as close as possible to the standard of truth.  Self Discipline.

2.    Molding our life – to God’s word.  Shedding of the old man of sin.

D.    Why is this so important?

1.    We will be held responsible for our inconsistency.  2 Cor. 5:10.

2.    Let’s explore this in depth for a few moments today.

 

I.  Bible Problems with Inconsistency:

A.    Inconsistent Christians are hypocrites.

1.    Look at how Jesus condemned the Pharisees of his day:

2.    Mt/ 7:3-4 –inconsistent people often hold others to a higher standard than themselves.

a)        Can be done w/o realizing – problem of everyone.  (Things not often as bad if we do it.)

b)        But it can be done intentionally – as text here in Mt. Indicates.

c)        Must guard against both!

3.    Scary thing to realize that I could be been hypocritical in my Christian life before.  Should humble us all!

B.    Inconsistent Christians are liars.

1.    1 Jhn. 2:4

2.    Isn’t that the truth?  A liar professes something that is not truth.

3.    Rev. 21:8 – destination of liars.  Stand up & take notice!

C.   Inconsistent Christians are unprofitable servants.

1.    Js. 2:14-16

2.    Just spinning wheels – not going anywhere.  Not growing.

3.    Places one’s soul in great danger.

D.   Now we move on to most important part of the lesson:  How can we be inconsistent in practice?

1.    Stand up & take notice!

 

II. We May be inconsistent in several ways:

A.    By hearing & not doing.

1.    Necessary to hear the gospel.

a)    Rom. 10:17 – is how faith is produced.

b)    Rev. 1:3 – the one who hears CAN be blessed!  (Has the opportunity!)

2.    BUT….it is inconsistent to hear & then not do.

a)    Js. 1:21-25 – are you one like described here?

b)    Put things into practice that you hear:  they not merely one’s opinion – but the word of God.  Hearing brings forth a responsibility!

3.    Mt. 23:2-5 – what about saying & not doing? Could we be just as guilty as the Pharisees every now n then?

a)    Parents – are you consistent?  Children will notice.

b)    expect children to behave – grow up right – develop a relationship w/God – but YOU not living right YOURSELF…..Who are you fooling???

1)        Children – do you expect privileges/praise – but not living up to what you say/do?  INCONSISTENT!

B.    By praying intently for the lost – but actually doing nothing to personally teach them!

1.    Rom. 10:1 – must, like Paul, pray for the lost!

a)    10:14-17 – they had to hear the gospel – for that = the way that they can come to knowledge of the gospel.

b)    2 Thess. 1:7-9 – those who do not obey gospel – will be lost.

c)    Certainly that we realize this but….

2.    What are we doing individually?  Collectively?

a)    Must roll up our sleeves & find those who are searching for truth.  Acts 8:4

b)    Commend congregation for efforts made to present.

3.    Let’s be like those spoken of in 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Tim. 2:2

C.   By praying for needy, orphans, the sick/afflicted - & not actually doing anything to help them.

1.    Commend congregation for its care/love/concern.

2.    But….can we do better?  Part of being in Christ is learning to give of yourself.

a)    1 Jhn. 3:16-18

b)    Demonstrate your love for others by:

1)        donating time – go by n see those who physically sick

2)        Get involved in community by supporting good works & organizations that help people.

3.    Remember – what Christ did for us.  He freely gave of himself.  Can’t & shouldn’t we give to others – to glorify Him?  1 Jhn. 4:9-10

D.   By claiming to go by Bible authority – but not respecting the silence of the Scriptures.

1.    Guard against using feelings, reasons, or emotions as a guide in religion.

2.    Some look for some kind of profound religious experience.

a)    If it feels right – it must be right.

3.    Scriptures to be our standard – 1 Cor. 4:6

a)    Not to go beyond what written.

b)    To speak according to oracles of God – 1 Pet. 4:11

c)    2 Jhn. 9 – must abide in His doctrine!

4.    This means that as we put our religion in practice – we must not let Scripture be compromised b/c of our emotions.

a)    MDR

b)    Loved one dies – this can’t be the only true church.

c)    2 Cor. 10:5 – must bring every thought in captivity.

E.    Christians can be inconsistent by claiming to love God but:

1.    not expressing love for brethren – 1 Jhn. 4:20-21

a)    means a steadfast commitment to get to know brethren

b)    Means – if problem b/t you & another bro/sis – go to them HUMBLY and resolve the problem.

c)    Anything else?  INCONSISTENT.  Not have bro/sis true interests at heart.

2.    Not walking in His way – 1 Jhn. 2:3-6

3.    Refusing to use proper language – Js. 1:26

a)    must bridle our tongue – Js. 3:6; 9-10

b)    Also involves saying wrong thing, gossiping, tale bearing, putting people down, etc.

c)    Something we all have a problem with & must watch out for.

 

Conclusion

A.    Phil. 1:27.  Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…

1.    When it comes to our attitude; speech; deeds; dress; steadfastness; desires – are we consistent with what we teach?  Believe?

2.    Is your light shining brightly!

B.    I hope today’s lesson stepped on your toes as much as it did me.

1.    If you a child of God – set your mind that today will be the day you determine to live better for the Lord.

C.   Not a Christian?  Don’t let today’s lesson SCARE you into thinking that you aren’t ready to be a Christian.

1.    The Christian life is one of growth.  It’s one of learning.  It’s one where one will fall down from time to time.

2.    But it’s one where you can have hope of forgiveness.

3.    Consistency is possible – and the Christians here can help you get there! 

4.    Obey the gospel today!

C.  I N V I T A T I O N