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To Jesus Christ
Lesson #1 of 6 Introduction. A. It seems we are always anxious to see people obey the gospel,
and we should be. However, all too often when they have
obeyed the gospel, we, as Christians, leave them on their
own to find what is required of them that they may remain
faithful (trustworthy and obedient) to God.
B. As Christians there are several things that are expected of
us. One of those is to fulfill the obligations we have to-
ward Jesus Christ and others with which we come into
contact.
It is very easy for new Christians to get lost unless older
Christians guide them. Perhaps one reason they are not
guided, is older Christians are not aware of these
obligations.
C. In this series we want to explore some of these obligations.
But perhaps the place to start is to define some terms.
1. Obligation is defined as, “Something by which a person is
bound to do certain things; a binding promise, contract,
sense of duty; an agreement enforceable by law,” (Random
House College Dictionary).
2. Blessing is, “A favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby
bringing happiness,” (ibid).
I. Reasons For Our Obligations To The Lord. A. Rev. 1:5 tells us the reason for our obligation is
salvation from our past sins.
1. We find Christ shed His blood for us in Rom. 5:8-9 and
1 Pet. 1:18-19. He alone could pay the purchase price
(Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:20).
2. There is no salvation without Christ (2 Tim. 2:10) and
no Christ without obedience to His will (Heb. 5:8-9;
Matt. 7:21).
3. Hence, the obligation of obedience.
B. Because we are partakers of the heavenly calling (Heb.
3:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).
1. We are in Christ’s body according to 1 Cor 12:13, “For
by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -
whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and
have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”; 2 Cor
5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away; behold, all
things have become new.”; Rom 6:3-7, “Or do you not
know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were
buried with Him through baptism into death, that just
as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life. For if we have been united together in the like-
ness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the
likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our
old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin
might be done away with, that we should no longer be
slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from
sin.” and Gal 3:26-27, “For you are all sons of God
through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as
were baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” (all
passages from NKJV), where:
a. All spiritual blessing are (Eph. 1:3).
b. All God’s promises are (2 Cor. 1:20).
c. Eternal Life is (1 Jn. 5:11).
d. We have refuge (Heb. 6:18).
e. Redemption is (Eph. 1:3-14 esp. vs. 7).
f. Forgiveness is found (Col. 1:14).
2. Therefore faithfulness entails continued obedience
(Heb. 6:6-13; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).
C. Because we made a covenant (agreement) with the Lord
(Heb. 6:6-13; Eph. 2:11-22).
1. A covenant is a “formal agreement of legal validity,”
(ibid). That means someone who breaks the covenant can
legally be punished for doing so.
2. The Lord promises Eternal Salvation. We promise
Compliance with His will.
II. We’re Obligated To Recognize Christ’s Supreme Religious Authority A. Christ’s authority is revealed to us in the “perfect law
of Liberty,” Jas. 1:25-27).
1. It contains all the essential religious teaching of
Christ (2 Pet. 1:3).
2. Contrary to what some teach and practice today, it
furnishes us to EVERY good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
3. If we cannot find it in the scriptures, it is not
authorized.
B. Our human authority is IMPERFECT. It brings condemnation
(Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12).
1. Our religious instruction is to be restricted to the
“oracles of God,” (1 Pet. 4:11). Any time we step out-
side of this we are proceeding without the authority
of God.
2. Because the gospel of Christ is the ONLY authoritative
religious teaching (Gal. 1:8-9).
C. Jesus, Himself answering questions which arose about what
should be done always answered out of the law. In Lk. 10,
when asked how to inherit eternal life, He answered,
“What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”
He was always concerned with what was taught in the law.
We must be also.
III. We Are Obligated To Abide In Christ’s Teachings. A. The worship activities of the Christian must be in spirit
and in truth (Jn. 4:24).
1. The only commands we find are:
a. Sing (Eph. 5:19; Acts 16:25)
b. Pray (Acts 2:42; Matt. 28:19; 1 Thess. 5:17).
c. Teaching (Acts 20:7; 2 Tim. 2:2).
d. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-28;
Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-30).
e. Giving (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Tim. 6:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)
2. Any other practice are not found in the law of Christ,
and therefore cannot be practiced with His authority
and His blessing.
B. The work we do must be authorized by His word.
1. As a congregation (Col. 3:17) All we do is limited by
what we find authorized from benevelent work to
preaching the gospel.
2. Also as an individual (Gal. 6:9-10; Jas. 1:26-27).
IV. We Are To Reflect Christ’s Example To Others. A. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His
steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His
mouth’" (1 Pet 2:21-22).
B. Christ is the “Sun of Righteousness” (Mal. 4:2; Matt.
5:13-16) and we are to emulate His life.
Conclusion. A. We cannot fulfill our obligations to Christ if we are not familiar with and following His word. B. Our judgment will be concerning how we have met our obligations as citizens of the kingdom of the Lord. Return To Top Of Page
To Fellow Christians Lesson #2 of 6 Introduction. A. In our first lesson, we looked at the Christian's obligation to Jesus Christ. In this lesson we want to look at the Christian's obligation to his fellow Christian. Too often as we sturdy the weightier" matters of the Law, we lose sight of some of the "small" things the Christian is obligated to do. B. The Song of Solomon 2:15 gives us an example of what can happen when we let the little things go. "Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. THE SHULAMITE" (NKJ) C. Moses told the children of Israel they must always be armed for battle. That they must not allow themselves to slip from their duty. "Then Moses said to them: "If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war, and all your armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven out His enemies from before Him, and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you may return and be blameless before the LORD and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:20-23) D. In this lesson we want to suggest some of the things that too many are allowing to slip from their life of obedience. I. Hospitality - Heb. 13:1-3 A. One of the basic teaching of the Lord.
1. Our love of others & for the Lord is manifested in
this
2. Jn. 3:16 tells us Christ died for all, not just that
one or two special people
3. We must be hospitable
a. Rom. 12:13 says a Christian should be "distributing
to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality."
b. And 1 Pet. 4:9 says, "Be hospitable to one another
without grumbling.
B. Hospitality is important enough to be qualification for
elder
1. Titus 1:8 - "but hospitable, a lover of what is good,
sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,"
2. 1 Tim 3:2 - "A bishop then must be blameless, the
husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good
behavior, hospitable, able to teach;"
3. Obedience to this is beneficial to the elders as well
as to others.
4. In 1 Pet. 5:3 we find elders are to be examples to the
flock. If this attribute is absent in elders, it will
be absent in all. And 2 Jn. 9 says this absence will
cause an absence of God.
C. We must follow example of elders/teachings of God.
1. Matt. 25:31-46 says our acceptability depends on it.
2. This one thing might very well determine our eternal
home.
3. Visiting preachers are not the only ones who should be
shown hospitality.
4. It is both shameful and sinful to be cold and
indifferent to strangers.
II. Restoration Of Weak Brethren (Personal work) A. Gal. 6:1-2 says this is work for the "spiritual."
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who
are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentle-
ness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear
one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
1. Absence of this work indicates a lack of spirituality.
2. Rom. 8:14 says we must be led by Spirit to be the
children of God.
B. Unfortunately many have the wrong attitude toward those
in error.
1. Shouldn't "step on them" or "forget them."
2. Jas. 5:16-20 tells us Christianity demands we try to
convert them.
C. The subject of personal work is now treated much the same
as the subject of giving.
1. If you hate the thought of doing it -- then don't.
2. It's a job for the spiritual!
3. 1 Tim. 4:16 says to "Take heed to yourself and to the
doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will
save both yourself and those who hear you."
III. Ministering To The Sick -- Afflicted. A. In Jas. 5:13-14 we see in the early church they called
for those able to work miracles.
1. Today it is the responsibility of all to do best we
can
a. Acts 3:6 - such as I have.
2. You can't "hire" someone else to do "your" job.
B. Jesus says this will have a bearing at the judgment.
1. Matt 25:31-46 reads, "When the Son of Man comes in His
glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will
sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will
be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one
from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the
goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand,
but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to
those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave
Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a
stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you
clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in
prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will
answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry
and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did
we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and
clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison,
and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to
them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it
to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it
to Me.' Then He will also say to those on the left
hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlast-
ing fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I
was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and
you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not
take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and
in prison and you did not visit Me.' Then they also
will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You
hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in
prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will
answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inas-
much as you did not do it to one of the least of
these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go
away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous
into eternal life."
a. The short version of the passage is; as we do to
the brethren
b. We do to Christ!
2. What a terrible thought to be lost eternally because
we didn't visit the sick.
C. We're to fulfill our ability on this point. "Therefore,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially
to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal. 6:10)
1. Some visit only to reciprocate.
2. They have the attitude, "I'll only visit those who
visited me."
3. That is the wrong attitude.
IV. Setting A Christ-Like Example - Matt. 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
A. This is not the exclusive job of elders and preachers.
B. Paul encouraged many to do this:
1. "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of
Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am
absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand
fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together
for the faith of the gospel," (Phil 1:27).
2. "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you
to walk worthy of the calling with which you were
called," (Eph 4:1)
3. "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to
the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,
in faith, in purity." (1 Tim 4:12)
Conclusion. A. Jesus said in Jn. 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." B. We certainly can't expect the Lord to be pleased with us here if we don't have the proper respect and love for the brethren. C. For He tells us is Jas. 2:10, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." D. "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD brings back the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad." (Psa. 14:7) Return To Top Of Page
To Alien Sinners Lesson # 3 of 6 Introduction. A. In our previous lessons, we discussed the Christian's obli-
gation to Jesus Christ and to his fellow Christian's. Per-
haps before we continue, we should define the term
Christian. A Christian is a member of the church of Christ
(Rom.16:16). Col. 1:13 tells us it is one who has been
"delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the
kingdom of the Son of His love." In other words a Christian
is a follower of Christ. He is one given to obeying Christ.
B. There are some similarities between a Christian and an alien
sinner, but there are some differences also.
1. Both have a soul and a body with bones. Both are flesh
and blood.
2. But the difference lies in their relationship with God. A
Christian has heard, believed, and obeyed God's laws.
Where an alien sinner may have heard, may even believe,
but has never obeyed the word of God. As one who has
obeyed, this increases, rather than decreases our
responsibilities.
I. Christian Is Obligated To Teach The Gospel To Alien Sinners. A. The individual Christian is a living part of the Body of
Christ.
1. Living things have the power of reproduction.
2. Jesus, in speaking to individuals in Jn. 15:1-6, makes
this mandatory for Christians. "I am the true vine,
and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me
that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every
branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear
more fruit. You are already clean because of the word
which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it
abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide
in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who
abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not
abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is
withered; and they gather them and throw them into the
fire, and they are burned."
3. We must fulfill our obligations as part of the body.
B. Christians love the souls of men.
1. Our love prompts our teaching others the way of
Christ.
2. How much do you love? This can be gauged by how
willing we are to teach others.
3. How much do you teach? We should be teaching at ever
opportunity, but how much we are willing to teach is
also gauged by how much we love.
C. The Christian recognizes his "place" in the teaching
program.
1. He does not forgive sins - That's for God to do
(Mk. 2:7).
2. He did not die for sinners - Christ did this
(1 Cor. 15:3).
3. Ours is but to present the will of the Lord.
(1 Cor. 3:6; 2 Tim. 4:2).
II. The Gospel Taught By Christians Must Be Certified By The N. T. " But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was
preached by me is not according to man."
A. Neither addition nor subtraction is allowed by God. "Who-
ever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of
Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine
of Christ has both the Father and the Son." (2 Jn. 9)
1. Anathema (curse) of God will be on those who do dif-
ferently. "But even if we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel to you than what we have
preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said
before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any
other gospel to you than what you have received, let
him be accursed," (Gal 1:8-9).
2. Only the Lord's doctrine (teaching) will produce the
Lord's people.
B. The gospel is the only "seed" the Lord uses. It must
therefore be planted in the proper soil and in the proper
way. (Lk. 8:11ff)
1. 1 Cor. 1:21 presents Christians with an obligation.
"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through
wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the
foolishness of the message preached to save those who
believe."
2. Rom. 10:13-17 sheds more light on our responsibility.
"For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be
saved.' How then shall they call on Him in whom they
have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him
of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear
without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless
they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are
the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who
bring glad tidings of good things!' But they have not
all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has
believed our report?' So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
3. The alien sinner must:
a. Hear
(1). "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright
cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice
came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear
Him!'" (Matt. 17:5)
(2). "No one can come to Me unless the Father who
sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at
the last day. It is written in the prophets,
'And they shall all be taught by God.' There-
fore everyone who has heard and learned from
the Father comes to Me. (Jn. 6:44-45)
(3). "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing
by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)
b. Believe
(1). "Therefore I said to you that you will die in
your sins; for if you do not believe that I am
He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24)
(2). "But without faith it is impossible to please
Him, for he who comes to God must believe that
He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who
diligently seek Him." (Heb 11:6)
c. Repent
(1). "Repent therefore and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, so that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the
Lord," (Acts 3:19).
(2). "Truly, these times of ignorance God over-
looked, but now commands all men everywhere to
repent," (Acts 17:30).
d. Confess
(1). "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men,
him I will also confess before My Father who
is in heaven. "But whoever denies Me before
men, him I will also deny before My Father
who is in heaven." (Matt 10:32-33)
(2). "For with the heart one believes unto right-
eousness, and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation." (Rom 10:10)
e. Be Baptized
(1). "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let
every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and
you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38)
(2). "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be
baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on
the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
(3). "Or do you not know that as many of us as were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into
His death? Therefore we were buried with Him
through baptism into death, that just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk
in newness of life. For if we have been united
together in the likeness of His death,
certainly we also shall be in the likeness of
His resurrection," (Rom 6:3-5)
III. While Teaching Aliens, Christians Must Set Godly Examples. A. We must live as we teach others to live (Matt. 5:6).
1. If our influence is not good, our words won't be
accepted.
2. Our influence is one of our most valuable possessions.
B. Lives must be filled with good works.
1. Gal. 6:10 tells us the Christian is to do good to all
men.
2. Matt. 5:47 says good works not to be restricted to our
"friends".
3. Matt. 5:44 has the Lord teaching us to reciprocate
good for evil.
Conclusion. A. The only link that God has between His Word and the alien sinner is you and me. By the same token the only opportunity that many will have to be saved is when you and I tell them God's plan for man. B. I am reminded of the song, "The World's Bible." "Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today, He has no feet but out feet to lead men in His way; He has no tongue but our tongues to tell men how He died, he has no help but our help to bring them to His side." "We are the only Bible the careless world will read, We are the sinner's gospel. we are the scoffer's creed; We are the Lord's last message given in deed and word, what if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?" "What if our hands are busy with other things than His? What if our feet are walking where sin's allurement is? What if our tongues are speaking of things His life would spurn, how can we hope to help Him and welcome His return?" (© Copyright 1934 Renewal Stamps-Baxter Music, owners.) Return To Top Of Page
To The Local Congregation Lesson #4 of 6 Introduction: A. So far we have looked at the Christians obligation to Jesus,
to fellow Christians and to alien sinners. Now we want to
look at the Christians obligation to the local congregation.
In Eph. 4:11-16 ("And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and
teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we
all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer
be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning
craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth
in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head
-- Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit toget-
her by what every joint supplies, according to the effective
working by which every part does its share, causes growth of
the body for the edifying of itself in love,"), we find the
Lord's plan for edifying the early church. Verse 16 shows
that each member of the body of Christ has a definite
commitment to fulfill.
B. The congregation is made up of members, not the building or
some other inanimate thing. And the work of the local con-
gregation is done through the members. Therefore the
strength of the local congregation is the strength of the
members.
C. Think of yourself as the mouth or the stomach of this body.
If you were, on what would the body feed? How often would
the body take the nourishment of God's word?
D. In what ways is the Christian obligated to the local con-
gregation?
I. We Must Be Members Of A Local Congregation. A. While there are some who want to be "members-at-large,"
roving membership is no where authorized in the New
Testament.
1. The local congregation is the only organization we
find for doing the work of the church.
2. We must each do our part in carrying out God's will.
3. We need the guidance & instructions God's elders can
give.
a. "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a
fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of
Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will
be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion
but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;"
(1 Pet 5:1-2)
b. "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the
flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He
purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
c. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive,
for they watch out for your souls, as those who
must give account. Let them do so with joy and not
with grief, for that would be unprofitable for
you." (Heb 13:17)
B. Where in the Bible, does it say we must "place" member-
ship?
1. We owe it to congregation to identify ourselves as
working members.
2. We need to let others know of our desire to continue
to help Lord's cause.
3. "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join
the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and
did not believe that he was a disciple." (Acts 9:26)
C. Membership in the local congregation means more than
simply affiliation with the congregation.
II. The Christian Must Attend All Services. A. We can't have fellowship in any service when we are for-
saking the assembly. We must jointly participate in all
work of a local congregation. There are many command to
this extent, but where our Lord has spoken, one will
suffice (Heb. 10:25).
B. Ask yourself; "What kind of church would this be if
everyone was 'just like me?'"
C. Important people draw crowds
1. Pres. Clinton
2. Billy Graham
3. The Pope
4. What about Jesus? Is He important?
a. He is at all services ("For where two or three are
gathered together in My name, I am there in the
midst of them." {Matt 18:20)
b. Are you?????
III. The Christian Owes Fellowship In Finances. A. There is more about giving in Bible than any other
subject
1. It is estimated that 1 out of every 8 verses applies
to giving.
2. We must abound in this grace (2 Cor. 8:7).
3. God has never been satisfied with "left-overs". He
must be first.
a. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His right-
eousness, and all these things shall be added to
you" (Matt 6:33)
b. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father
and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters,
yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My
disciple" (Luke 14:26)
B. Many brethren oppose lessons on giving.
1. They hate to hear of their responsibility on this
subject.
2. But those who dislike the subject are the ones who
need it most.
IV. Each Christian Must Strive To Maintain The Purity Of The Church. A. Because Eph. 25:27 says Sanctifying and purifying the
body cost Christ His life.
1. Something so valuable is worthy of our consideration.
2. This is not the exclusive job of the preachers or
elders.
B. Too often we allow things of this world to occupy our
affections. Our affections must be placed on the
spiritual realm.
1. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at
the right hand of God." (Col 3:1)
2. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. For all that is in the world-- the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is
not of the Father but is of the world." (1 Jn 2:15-16)
3. Love is not some mushy, gushy, sticky, sentimental
thing that the world seems to think it is. It is dis-
cerning what is right for the person loved. It is put-
ting their interest above your interest.
4. Do you love the truth? Then you hate error. "Through
Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate
every false way." (Psa. 119:104)
5. If you love Christ, His church and righteousness, then
you must hate the devil, the world and sin.
6. But you can't hate evil, and still desire it.
a. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will
hate the one and love the other, or else he will be
loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve God and mammon." (Matt 6:24)
b. "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who
does not gather with Me scatters abroad."
(Matt 12:30)
Conclusion: A. Each member of the local congregation has a responsibility to the whole congregation. Are you helping or hindering this congregation? Are you fulfilling your obligation to this congregation? B. You DO owe something - are you paying the cost? Return To Top Of Page
To His Family Lesson #5 0f 6 Introduction: A. Just as the Christian is obligated to others, as we have been studying, so also is he obligated to his (or her) own family. Certainly each member of a family sustains a relationship and duty to the whole family. However, we want to consider additional obligations that belong to the Christian. I. The Christian Must Be "Sold" On Christianity. A. This can be seen in the exemplary life that a Christian
lives.
1. In Rom. 14:7 we read of our influence on others ("For
none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to him-
self."). The things we do has an effect on the way
others may act.
2. That influence should follow Christ's example.
a. "For I have given you an example, that you should
do as I have done to you." (Jn. 13:15)
b. "For to this you were called, because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you
should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor
was deceit found in His mouth'" (1 Pet 2:21-22)
3. All church members are setting an example in the home.
a. Some good - reading the Bible, praying, kindness,
love, faithfulness.
b. Some bad - drinking, gambling, quarreling,
gossiping selfishness.
B. We manifest importance to Christianity by what we do.
1. 2 Tim. 2:2 - by how much we try to teach others.
2. By the way we that we live the commandments of Christ.
3. By our steadfastness
a. Acts 2:42
b. 1 Cor. 15:58
II. The Christian Must Promote Christianity Before His Family. A. The Christian must recognize and advocate the proper home
authority.
1. The husband as the head of the household; children in
subjection to parental authority. (Eph. 5:23; 6:1;
1 Tim. 3:4)
2. Some try to change this when they become members of
the church.
B. By being a good associate and choosing the same kind of
friends.
1. 1 Cor. 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: Evil company
corrupt good habits."
a. We are infulenced by the kind of associates we
choose.
b. Our families are influenced by the kind of associ-
ates we choose.
2. Examples of evil companionships:
a. Solomon's wives( 1 Kings 11).
b. Peter around the devil's fire (Matt. 26:69-74).
3. God's people are warned about companions.
a. "Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a
companion of gluttons shames his father."
(Prov 28:7)
b. "Do not be unequally yoked together with un-
believers. For what fellowship has righteousness
with lawlessness? And what communion has light with
darkness? (2 Cor 6:14) (Note: Read it anyway you
like. In bussiness or in marriage, the result is
still the same. Our companionship determines our
behavior.)
C. By providing & reading good literature. "For as he thinks
in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you,
but his heart is not with you." (Prov 23:7)
1. You can tell a person by the books they reads. As one
reads - so one thinks.
2. Bad literature poisons the mind.
a. Religious journals vs.. popular magazines.
b. Worldly and salacious literature is sinful.
III. The Christian Owes It To His Family To Oppose Worldliness. A. Promoting Christianity involves these things:
1. Can't be neutral toward sin and be a Christian.
2. The two are diametrically opposed.
3. Jesus said Christians must make a choice.
a. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will
hate the one and love the other, or else he will be
loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve God and mammon." (Matt 6:24)
b. "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who
does not gather with Me scatters abroad."
(Matt 12:30)
B. To oppose worldliness means to act against it.
1. How can we act against dancing, gambling and other
worldly lusts.
2. Certainly not by condoning it (by outwardly accepting
or by just not saying anything)or entertaining a lust
for it.
3. Must speak and work against the success of worldly
activities.
IV. The Christian Must Fulfill His Individual Duties To The Family A. Man's obligations.
1. as a husband (Eph. 5:25)
2. as a father (Eph. 6:4)
B. Woman's obligations.
1. as a wife (Eph. 5:22)
2. as a mother (Tit 2:4)
C. Children's obligations.
1. as children (Eph. 6:1-2)
2. as brothers & sisters
Conclusion. A. One of our greatest jobs is to influence and teach our families to believe and embrace the doctrines of Christ as we have done (Jn. 4:44). We must overcome many hindrances in order to teach our families the truth of God's word. Return To Top Of Page
To Himself Lesson #6 of 6 Introduction: A. As we have seen through this study, there are many obliga- tions that the Christian has. He is obligated to Christ because He made salvation possible. He is obligated to his fellow Christian because Christ set an example and we are to be like Him. The Christian is also obligated to the alien sinner because we have been saved from our sins and we owe a debt that can never be paid (although we must try). We owe an obligation to the local congregation because it is the body of Christ. A Christian also has an obligation to his family because he is to set an example before his family, as Christ sets before the church. B. The Christian has another obligation, and that is to him- self. These obligations to self are such that no one can fulfill them for us. All want blessing and honor for them- selves, but few are willing to do anything to attain them. We must realize that as we satisfy our earthly hungers, we also have obligations that concern the soul. C. This concluding lesson concerns these obligations. I We Must Be Educated In The Way Of Righteousness. A. In Matt. 28:18-20, we find the "great commission teaches
that growth is essential.
1. Verse 19 shows us that those who are baptized are to
be taught. All too often when some one is baptized,
they have the idea everything has been done and there
is no more need for study and growth.
2. We see from 2 Tim. 2:2 others have a responsibility to
help, but the greatest responsibility is still ours.
B. As young Christians, we must DESIRE the milk of the word
(1 Pet. 2:2).
1. A taste of good food creates a desire for more in our
earthly body. It should do the same for our spiritual
body.
2. But as physical children grow and progress from milk
to solid food, so must we as Christians. Also, just
as the physical body requires constant nourishment to
remain healthy, so it is with the spiritual body.
C. This desire must be associated with ACTIVITY for
obtaining the truth.
1. Nearly all people want to know the truth, but few will
expend the effort necessary required to obtain it.
2. Education requires more than just listening or read-
ing. It necessitates a thorough study of the subject.
3. Once learned, application of the lessons is an
integral part of education. It is of no value to
learn something if it is never put to use.
II. The Christian Must Withstand Worldly Powers That Would Render Him A. Education in righteousness has a twofold purpose.
1. It enables the Christian to know what is right in
God’s eyes and also what he should be doing
(1 Jn. 3:7; Matt. 7:21).
2. We must avoid anything that is opposed to right in
our activities (1 Thess. 5:22).
B. Knowledge without application is both foolish and
useless.
1. We lead others to the Lord by APPLYING our knowledge,
either in our actions and/or our word (hopefully
both).
2. Therefore a lack of knowledge or its misapplication
would render us useless for the cause of Christ.
C. There are three different ways Satan gets his followers.
1. By keeping aliens out of the church. If he can keep
them from ever obeying the gospel, he has won.
2. By getting members of the Lord's body back into the
world. The apostle John tells us that we cannot be in
the world and in Christ at the same time
(1 Jn. 2:15-17).
3. By rendering members useless in the church. We see an
example of this principle in the church at Laodicea
(Rev. 2:14ff). They had become lukewarm and of no
value what so ever.
D. The only way to keep from being a disciple of Satan is
to LEARN GOD’S WILL, and then DO it.
1. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him
while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to
the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our
God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isa 55:6-7)
2. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at
the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above,
not on things on the earth." (Col 3:1-2)
3. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. For all that is in the world-- the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is
not of the Father but is of the world." (1 Jn 2:15-16)
III. We Must Lay Hold On Eternal Life. (1 Tim. 6:12) A. The church is the called out body of eternal souls
(Col. 1:18; Eph. 4:1)
1. Each Christian is an eternal soul.
2. The church is the PREPARING GROUND for those souls to
go to heaven. Someday, if we are willing to do the
things necessary, we will see the church in all it’s
glory (Rev. 21:1-8).
3. Yet we cannot go to heaven (eternal life) if we don’t
prepare.
B. Each individual is obligated to prepare himself according
to God’s word (Phil. 2:12).
1. The eternal destiny of the immortal soul depends on
preparation.
2. Heaven or Hell: the choice is yours. For which are you
preparing?
C. Eternal life is not the automatic possession of every
church member.
1. As Paul said in 2 Tim. 2:2, we must "lay hold on" it.
2. It requires effort, stamina, determination, and love
on our part.
Conclusion. A. The obligations that belong to the Christian are many and varied, but all of them are of such nature that we can ful- fill them and should even derive a great deal of pleasure in accomplishing that which the Lord has given us to do. B. Doing God’s will is the most important job that we will face while on the earth. Return To Top Of Page |