And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume XI, Number 20 April 13 2008

Published by

Mt. Baker
church of Christ

Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692

Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM
Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM

Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers

Editor......Joe R. Price

Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt
Joe Price

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
John Hague
Dan Head

In this issue:

• Gospel Meeting Mt. Baker church of Christ, April 27–May 2, 2008

  Hindrances to Fleeing Youthful Lusts

  Sermon Outlines:

  • Overcoming Worldliness: Alcohol (Proverbs 23:29-35)
  • Overcoming Worldliness: Dancing (Ephesians 5:8-16)

  Noteworthy News: The Faces of Sin

Gospel Meeting

Mt. Baker church of Christ
Gospel Meeting

April 27–May 2, 2008

Evangelist
Brett Hogland
(Lubbock, Texas)

Bible lessons nightly, Mon-Fri at 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 27 at 9:30 & 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM

(From I-5 take Exit # 255 and go East 4.2 miles)
For more information please call (360) 752-2692

Hindrances to Fleeing Youthful Lusts
Joe R. Price

There are things about youth that can hinder the young person from fleeing lust and sin. By being aware of these hindrances you will be better equipped to flee sin and do what is right in God’s sight.

1. The pride of youth. The pride of youth leads many young people to think they know better than their parents, better than grown-ups and better than God about what is best for them. They think that they will live forever – or at least, that they will have plenty of time later to think about doing the will of God. That is not always the case. The wise man Solomon wrote, “Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity” (Eccl. 11:10). Youth does not last, and often with the passing of time one gets more and more set in their ways. Now is the time to flee sin and remember God (Eccl. 12:1; 2 Cor. 6:2). The wise young person understands that life is brief and uncertain and will build his character by fleeing sin.

2. The beauty and strength of youth. Some young people refuse to learn from the wisdom and experiences of their parents and others who love and care for them. The vitality and energy of youth leads some youth to think they are invincible (cf. Eccl. 9:11). But sin brings down the strongest of men (cf. Samson, Jgs. 16:16-21). Bodily strength has its place and blessing, but strength of character endures long after muscles weaken and the body becomes frail (1 Tim. 4:8; Eccl. 12:1-7). The strength of youth alone will not prevent you from sinning.

3. The inexperience of youth. Unfortunately, some young people think they “know it all” and will not listen to the counsel and advice of older, wiser people like parents, grandparents, teachers and fellow Christians. By refusing to heed the warnings against sin and its dangers, this young person is easy prey for Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Learn to listen to the wise guidance and recommendations of older people who have the insight that comes with experience (cf. 1 Kgs. 12:1-19).

4. Low expectations. Sometimes young people do not expect moral character and faith out of themselves because adults do not expect it from them. Some adults despise (think little of) young people by expecting them to live carelessly and sinfully. If adults expect young people to “sow their wild oats” rest assured, they will! Young people can serve God; they do not have to sin. Expect to succeed by fleeing sin. Demand moral excellence in yourself and build your character through faith in Christ (Gal. 2:20).

5. Neglect. Like older people, young people can simply neglect doing what is right. There are many things that call for the time and attention of youth: school, jobs, recreation, etc. But to neglect the will of God causes you to be susceptible to sin and unable to build your character into the image of Christ. Jesus warned against neglecting the word of God: “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mk. 4:18-19).

The choices you make when you are young will shape and mold you into the person you will be when you are an adult. To live by faith you must “flee youthful lusts.” By doing so you will be in a position to build your character with attributes of godliness. In following lessons we will learn to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). -Building Bible Character, Lsn. 4

You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Overcoming Worldliness: Alcohol

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 23:29-35

1. “Wine” in Bible used for both unfermented & fermented drink; “Strong drink” is always condemned as a beverage (Prov. 20:1).
2. Alcoholic consumption is thoroughly condemned in the Bible, Isa. 28:7-8 (5:11); Hos. 4:11; Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3.

I. THE SINFUL PROBLEMS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS, 2 Pet. 2:19 (Rom. 6:17-18).

A. The Sin of Intoxication, Eph. 5:15-18.
1. Soberness. (Prov. 31:4-7), Titus 2:2.
2. Self-control, Gal. 5:23; 2 Pet. 1:6, 1 Cor. 6:12.
3. Holiness & separation, 1 Pet. 2:9-10.
B. The Sin of Willfully Harming the Body, 1 Cor. 6:13, 15, 19-20.
C. The Sin of a Damaged and Dangerous Influence, 1 Pet. 2:11-12.
D. The Sin of Hurting Others whom we are Supposed to Love, Matt. 7:12; 22:39.
E. The Problem of Sin, Matt. 16:26.
1. Enslavement, Hos. 4:11 (2 Pet. 2:19).
2. Eternal death, Rom. 6:23.

II. SOCIAL DRINKING & RECREATIONAL DRUG USE, Prov. 23:29-35; 1 Peter 4:3:

III. SOME DEFEND SOCIAL DRINKING.

1. “The Bible approves the use of wine in several passages.”
2. “Christ turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana.” (Jno. 2:1-11)
3. “Timothy was told to take wine.” (1 Tim. 5:23)
4. “Romans 14:21 allows the use of alcohol.
5. “Wine is a natural creation of God.”
6. “Recent studies show health benefits.”
7. “In some cultures it is considered polite to socially drink.”
8. “Nothing wrong with a drink to take edge off?”
9. “There is simply no harm in drinking wine.”

Titus 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Eph. 5:6-7

You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Overcoming Worldliness: Dancing

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:8-16

1. The subject of dancing presents moral questions and challenges to Christians, esp. young ones.
a. Will I attend dances?
b. Will I participate in dancing?
c. Will I allow (approve) my child to go to dances?
d. Will I perform music or otherwise provide the occasion for dancing to occur?
2. Another challenge: Christians who refuse to admit the wrong associated with dancing, who object to lessons like this one and who continue to dance/support dancing. (Jas. 4:4)

I. DANCING IN THE BIBLE. (Which more closely defines, describes and depicts the modern, social dance?)

A. Dancing that Expressed Worship & Joy (Praise, Gratitude & Rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4 (Exo. 15:20-21; 2 Sam. 6:14; Lk. 15:25)
B. Dancing Associated with Lust and Idolatry Conduct, Exo. 32:6, 19, 25; Mk. 6: 21-22.

II. DANCING FOUND IN THE WORLD.

A. A Lack of Moral Decency, Rom. 13:13; 1 Pet. 2:11-12; Rom. 13:14
B. Lasciviousness: The Absence of Moral Restraint, Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3.
C. Revelry: Riotous Partying and Lustful Excesses, Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3.

III. MODERN, SOCIAL DANCE IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH CHRISTIAN PURITY.

A. Contributes to Worldly Lusts (2 Tim. 2:22)
B. Destroys your Godly Influence, 1 Cor. 15:33; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 5:6-7, 11.
C. Other Sinful Fruit is Present at the Dance.

IV. ATTEMPTS TO JUSTIFY AND DEFEND DANCING.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

The Faces of Sin
Joe R. Price

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s department in Portland, Oregon runs a program called Faces of Meth which shows the effects of methamphetamine. It is having a positive effect upon young people to not experiment with this deadly drug. “Its goal is simple: Use real life images to educate kids about the dangers of methamphetamine,” reports FoxNews.com (‘Faces of Meth’ Uses Portraits of Addiction to Warn Against Drug Use”). “Sheriff's Chief of Staff Christine Kirk said Faces of Meth is not a scared-straight approach, but rather “real life honesty to keep kids from ever trying it.” The message is clear: stay away from drugs! (See facesofmeth.us for more information)

The Bible uses “real life honestly” to portray the ravages of sin. Its message is also clear: Stay away from it! For example, Romans 1:18-32 paints a vivid portrait of the degenerative effects of sin upon the soul and upon society. There is only one way to go when people refuse to believe and obey God: downward into the abyss of spiritual darkness. Ephesians 4:17-19 shows a picture of the darkened heart of the person who lives in rebellion against God. Galatians 5:19-21 identifies the result of fulfilling the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-18).

The faces of sin include the desperate gaze of the prodigal before he “came to himself” (Lk. 15:16-17), and the bitter tears of Peter after he had denied the Lord three times (Lk. 22:61-62), and the anguished plea of the rich man in torments (Lk. 16:24).

There is a remedy for sin: repentance. God’s goodness is shown by his longsuffering toward sinners; he wants sinners to be saved from the clutches of sin (Rom. 2:3-4). Jesus will save you; no one else can (Acts 4:12).

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
Send all questions, comments and subscriptions to the editor at: ssword@bibleanswer.com