VAIN THINGS

Intro.

1. Vain: Empty, fruitless, nothing of lasting value (detrimental).

2. Scriptures warn us of a number of vain things (1 Cor. 10:12).

I. MAKING THIS WORLD & ITS ACTIVITIES THE GOAL OF YOUR LIFE – Eccl. 1:2.

· Life cycles & is unfulfilling – 1:3-11.

· Neither pleasure, wealth, materialism, wisdom, death, labor, social standing, etc. give lasting satisfaction – Eccl. 1:14.

· Fear & obey God – Purpose & fulfillment to life – Eccl. 12:13-14.

II. VAIN WORSHIP – Matt. 15:7-9.

· By following the doctrines of men – Col. 2:18-23 (Matt. 7:21-23).

· By hearts that are far from God - Mal. 1:10-11 (respect & honor God)

· Combine pure heart & authorized action - Jno. 4:23-24.

III. VAIN LABOR – 1 Cor. 15:58.

· Works of faith are not vain in the Lord - Eph. 2:10; 1 Ths. 1:3.

· By holding forth the word of life – Phil. 2:16.

IV. VAIN PREACHING – 1 Ths. 2:1-2.

· The fear & regret of vain labor is real– Gal. 4:11.

· When brethren turn back to sin & error, souls are lost & those who taught them suffer loss – 1 Ths. 3:5 (1 Cor. 3:14-15).

V. VAIN REPETITIONS IN PRAYER – Matt. 6:7.

· Prayer is not heard based on its wordiness, impressiveness, etc.

· Approaching God w/ pride will cause our fall – Lk. 18:9, 13-14.

· Sincere prayer with simple faith is heard! – Matt. 6:9-13.

VI. FIGHTING AGAINST THE PURPOSES OF GOD – Acts 4:24-28.

-With immoral living, unauthorized church work, worship, false doctrine…

· Because God is wiser than us – Isa. 40:13-14.

· Because God is superior to us, we must seek Him! - Isa. 55:6-11.

· Do not fight against God! – Acts 5:39

VII. THE DEATH OF CHRIST IS VAIN IF THE OT SAVES – Gal. 2:21.

· Law cannot save, only expose sin – Rom. 3:20; cf. Gal. 3:21.

· Christians suffered in vain (for gospel) if OT saves! – Gal. 3:1-4 (2:2)

VIII. IF YOU REVERT TO SIN, GOD’S GRACE & YOUR FAITH ARE VAIN - 2 Cor. 6:1.

· Be reconciled with God & receive God’s grace – 2 Cor. 5:10.

· Hold fast the gospel (faith), standing in it (saved by it) – 1 Cor. 15:1-2.

· If we faithfully labor, God’s grace is not received in vain - 1 Cor. 15:10.

Conclusion

1. 1 Ths. 2:1 – Gospel preaching is not in vain when we take it into our hearts and live it in our lives.

2. Your faith is not vain in the Lord – 1 Cor. 15:58.