Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:12-14
A Backward Church
Intro.
1. Illus. of the woman who described us as a “backward” church.
2. Justification of present-day moral changes (like same-sex marriage):
a. “After all,
it’s the 21st century” -- “Tory
traditionalists should accept ‘we live in the 21st century’ and back gay
marriage, Sir John Major said yesterday.”
dailymail.co.uk,
09Dec12.
b. “It’s state law – get with the times!”
– Society must ‘move on’.
3. Divine warning: Isa. 5:20-21; Prov. 17:15.
4. Truth does not change with the passing of time, 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Jno. 2; Matt. 24:35.
5. Christ’s church looks backward and forward as we live in the present, evil world.
I. WE LOOK BACKWARD...
A. To the Old Paths, Jer. 6:16-20; 18:15.
1. Like Israel, when Christians stop walking in the path of truth we fall into sin, Matt. 7:13-14; 15:14. (Psa. 119:97, 105)
2. Inspired Scriptures must constantly guide us, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
3. Pattern of sound words to hold fast, 2 Tim. 1:13.
a. For moral living, Eph. 5:3-12.
b. For doctrinal purity, 1 Jno. 4:1, 6.
B. To Jesus, Heb. 2:9-18.
1. His death and glory, 2:9.
2. His suffering which brings us to glory thru release from the fear of death due to sin’s bondage, 2:10-15; cf. Gal. 1:4
3. We look to Jesus in the present as our High Priest before God and the blessings He gives us, 2:17-18.
II. WE LOOK FORWARD...
A. To the things that are Ahead, Phil. 3:12-14.
1. Death, Phil. 1:21-23; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 5:2.
2. Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:19-20, 51-54.
3. Judgment, Matt. 25:21, 23, 34-40; Rom. 14:10, 12.
4. Inheritance, 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Heb. 4:11.
III. WE LOOK TO JESUS IN THE PRESENT, Heb. 12:1-2.
A. To Help Us Run Our Race with Endurance, Heb. 10:35-39; 6:10-12.
B. To Help Us in Our Time of Need, Heb. 4:14-16 (2:18).
C. To Dwell in Our Hearts through Faith, Eph. 3:17 (Gal. 2:20).
Conclusion
1. The church of Christ honors Christ, not man’s wisdom, Col. 1:18; 3:17.
2. The lusts of men do not define the will of God, 1 Ths. 4:3-7.
3. We will continue to look backward to the living word of God as we live in the present, looking forward with a living hope of eternal life.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: December 16, 2012