Unstained from the World

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002024

Subject: worldliness

Preached Originally: 04/28/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Js. 1:26-27

1.    1:26 - Note here – a man’s religion will be useless if he fails to control his tongue.  Many who deceive themselves in this way.

2.    1:27 – 3 examples of pure/undefiled religion expressed here:

a)    visiting orphans

b)    visiting widows

c)    keeping oneself unstained by the world.

B.    It is not enough just to think that you are religious.

1.    Religion in NT not just a matter of what you think & claim – it is a matter of individual response of the heart to God.

2.    God is concerned about the activity of our faith in Christ – from baptism & going on to continual trust & obedience.

C.   Scripture full of examples commanding Christians to draw the line on worldliness.

1.    easy to read & exhort others that worldliness = sinful behavior.

2.    read in many places of need to become spiritually minded.

a)    Rom. 12:1-2, 9

b)    Yet many professing Christianity are enticed &enthralled by worldly desires.

D.   Worldliness creeps into all areas of life & then we find self wondering why we aren’t as happy as we should be.

1.    Worldliness usually one of the underlying problems as to why:

a)    marriages become unstable.

b)    Kids turn out ungodly

c)    Why we have such a hard time bringing others to Christ

1)        often send out mixed signals as to who our allegiance is to.

d)    why we see so many turn back to their former life & quit living for Christ.

E.    Christians must be aware of the need to transform mind from carnal to spiritual.

1.    Rom. 8:6-8 – those who live in the flesh cannot please God.

2.    So let’s look at important facts on worldliness & need not to stain our spiritual garments.

 

 

 

I.  This is an individual responsibility.

A.     Js. 1 – section NOT written as instruction to local congregations.  1:19-27 written to the INDIVIDUAL!

1.    1:19 – quick to hear; slow to speak; slow to anger.

2.    1:21 – put aside filthiness

3.    1:22 – be a doer of the word.

4.    1:26 – bridle tongue

5.    1:27 – visit orphans; widows

6.    1:27 – keep self unstained from the world.

B.    These responsibilities are our job as Christians!

1.    Based on commitment to God; diligence to the word.

C.    Of course, there are others can help us battle worldliness.

1.    family & our upbringing.

2.    friends can encourage us

3.    local congregation can provide teaching on the matter.

D.    But…on day to day basis – if it is to be it is up to me.

1.    I must watch what I do.

2.    I must watch who I associate with.

3.    I must watch what I think; what I say; how I deal w/people; and approach temptation.

4.    I must use God’s word as a guide to help me remain unstained by the world.

E.    Bottom line:  a person cannot really be a Christian until he accepts this individual responsibility.

 

II.  What it means to be unstained.

A.    A quick look at the book of James.

1.    unstained by the world is further defined in James. 

2.    1:21; 4:7-8

3.    these verses are all about personal repentance & determination to avoid ALL sin & error.

B.    Some specific things to avoid are found in Gal. 5:19-21.  Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

 

 

Offenses

Against

Chastity

 

5:19

3430

Adultery

A specific form of fornication.  Unlawful sexual relations w/a married person.

5:19

4202

Fornication

Illicit sexual intercourse.

5:19

167

Impurity

Impurity of lustful; luxurious; profligate living.

5:19

766

Sensuality

Unbridled lust; excess; licentiousness; lasciviousness; wantonness; shamelessness in unclean indulgences;; open indulgence or impurity

 

Sins

Of

Irreligion

 

5:20

1495

Idolatry

Worship of false gods

5:20

5331

Sorcery

Enchantments; magic; sorcery; witchcraft

 

Sins

Of

Malignity

 

5:20

2189

Enmities

Hatred

5:20

2054

Strife

Contention; wrangling

5:20

2205

Jealousy

Envious & contentious rivalry

5:20

2372

Outbursts of anger

Passion; angry heat

5:20

2052

Disputes

A partisan & factious spirit

5:20

1370

Dissensions

Division

5:20

139

Factions

Body of men separating themselves from others & following their own tenets. (a sect of party)  Dissensions arising from diversity of opinion and aims.

5:21

5355

Envying

Envy

 

 

 

Sins

Of

Excess

 

5:21

3178

Drunkenness

Intoxication

5:21

2970

Carousing

A revel.  Usually a consequence of drunkenness.

5:21

 

And things such like these

All that proceeds from evil passions besides these specified and all that the Law of God specifies & condemns.

 

 

 

 

 

C.   Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1.    Therefore – I must use the word of God to monitor my heart.

2.    if I detect the beginning of these things in my heart – I must put them away & keep myself unstained from the world.

 

III.  There is no middle ground!

A.    2 Tim. 4:10 – Demas – loved this present world.  His attitude separated him from Paul. 

1.    Love for world will also separate us from God.  Often we willingly walk away because of the lure of the world.

2.    it is not possible to love the world & God at the same time!

B.    Mt. 6:24; 33; 22:37

C.   If we follow these commandments there will be no room left in our heart, soul, or mind to love the world.

D.   1 Jhn. 2:15-17 – anything that is not of God will not last!

 

IV.  We must practice pure & undefiled religion!

A.     Warren Berkley:  I’m afraid when most people think of religion, they do not think of God the Father.  They do not think first of Him and the spiritual blessings He provides in Christ.  They think of the church stuff (people, groups, organizations, buildings & movements).  We are strongly influenced by the religious culture of our time – which is marked by denominations, churches, organizations, human tradition and ritual.

B.    We must identify religion FIRST with God!

1.    right religion is man’s response to Him!

2.    We must seek to “know” Him!  Remove anything that would impede my relationship with Him.

3.    Phil. 3:8-11

C.    When man responds to God’s instructions & expresses his faith in Jesus – than one may experience pure & undefiled religion.

D.    Anything else is vain worship/service!

1.    if we fail to keep self unstained from world – it matters little what else we do!

2.    May b/c excellent bible student!

3.    quote bible freely & accurately!

4.    give to the poor, fast; attend EVERY service!

5.    But if I fail to keep self unstained from world – I am not a God-pleasing participant in pure & undefiled religion!

 

Conclusion:

A.    Let’s look to a better way!

1.    There is no lasting gain or advantage in sin.

2.    Pleasure only lasts for a season.  Consequences can be eternal!  Must do God’s will!

3.    1 Jhn. 2:17b – a glorious triumph will be experienced by the one who remains unstained!

B.    Where do you stand at this moment?  Are your spiritual garments stained w/sin?

1.    no stain/sin that cannot be removed.

2.    Give yourself to Him today!

C.  I N V I T A T I O N