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Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 30:8-14

LIBERALISM: "IT'S NO BIG DEAL"

Intro.
1.  We stand before the superlative majesty of the Almighty, Rom. 11:33.

  a.  Man does not counsel God; we must reverence & honor Him!

  b.  God does according to His will in heaven & on earth, Dan. 4:35.

  c.  This should compel men to repent, Dan. 4:26-27.

2.  The spirit of liberalism that tempts God’s people does not repent before God.  Instead, it is…

  a.  Irreverent toward God (Psa. 33:8; 89:7; 73:11; 2 Pet. 3:3).

  b.  Presumptuous toward the authority of God (Deut. 18:20; 2 Pet. 2:10).

  c.  Indifferent toward the word of God (Zeph. 1:12; Amos 6:1).

3.  Liberal:  “not literal or strict: LOOSE <a liberal translation> BROAD-MINDED; especially: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary).

  a.  “not bound by traditional ways or beliefs” (Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus).

  b.  Liberalism is not restricted to nor restrained by Bible patterns (Jer. 6:16).

I. BIBLE PATTERNS ARE GOD’S PATTERNS WE MUST FOLLOW, Deut. 4:1-2; 12:32; Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19 (Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13).

  A.  Command & Blessings of Following God’s Word, Josh. 1:5-9.

    1.  “Observe to do according to all the law…” (1:7)

    2.  “Do not turn from it…” (1:7)

    3.  Teach & meditate on the word of God…to obey all of it (1:8).

    4.  You will prosper…God will be with you (1:9).

  B.  Liberalism at Work among God’s People, Isa. 30:8-14:

    1.  Liberalism refuses to hear the law of the Lord, 30:9 (Jer. 44:16).

    2.  Liberalism rejects the appeal to follow God’s path, 30:10-11.

    3.  Liberalism despises the word of God, 30:12.

    4.  Liberalism is sin, 30:13.

    5.  Liberalism destroys God’s people in judgment, 30:13-14.

    6.  Christians have been heard to say:

      a.  Preaching on Bible authority is “too dry” & boring.

      b.  We need a “new direction” in this church.

      c.  Bible preaching leaves me feeling “beaten down.”

      d.  The “love doesn’t flow” here.

II.  LIBERALISM SAYS, “IT’S NO BIG DEAL” (when God’s word is violated &/or not consulted & followed, cf. 1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17; Jas. 1:21-25).

  A.  Examples of the Liberal Mindset & Practice:

    1.  Instrumental music in worship: “No big deal” (Eph. 5:19).

    2.  Local church providing social activities as its work (kitchen in building; multi-purpose room in building): “No big deal” (1 Cor. 11:22, 34).

    3.  Fellowship with false doctrine & false teachers: “No big deal” (2 Jno. 9-11; Eph. 5:11).

    4.  Putting away without the cause of fornication: “No big deal” (Matt. 19:6, 9).

    5.  Saved without water baptism: “No big deal” (Mk. 16:16).

    6.  Little “white lies” aren’t so bad: “No big deal” (Eph. 4:25).

    7.  Immodest dress: “No big deal” (1 Tim. 2:9).

    8.  Habitually failing to assemble to worship: “No big deal” (Heb. 10:25).

  B.  Liberalism Minimizes:

    1.  Sin, 1 Jno. 3:4; Jas. 4:17.  (It redefines & eliminates sin, Jer. 8:12.)

    2.  Obedience (Matt. 7:21).  (It offers approval in disobedience.)

    3.  Word of God (1 Pet. 4:11).  (It rejects objective standard of truth.)

  C.  Liberalism Maximizes:

    1.  Self (Jgs. 21:25).

    2.  Feelings (2 Kgs. 12:33; cf. Jer. 10:23).

    3.  Rationalization (1 Sam. 15:13-15).

  D.  Liberalism does not Tremble before God:

    1.  With awe for His majesty; in reverence of His word; with recognition of His rule; & in worship of His holiness, Psa. 99:1-3  (2:10-12).

    2.  Although His voice shakes earth & heaven (Heb. 12:26)!

  E.  Liberalism Objects to Sermons like This!  Isa. 30:10

Conclusion

1.  These things are a “big deal” to God. 

2.  God looks on the one who trembles at His word, Isa. 66:1-2.

3.  Liberalism fails to "tremble" before God (Heb. 12:28-29).

Sources:

“What is Liberalism” by Bobby Holmes

The Spirit of Liberalism, Frank Chesser, pages 11-15