Knowing Christ Message 2

Knowing Christ

Message 2

The Killers that Live Among Us

A word of Introduction:

· Philippians 3:2 (GW) — 2 Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision.

Philippians 3:2 GW

Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision.

· To call someone a dog was a slur

· They are evil people

· Paul was warning this church to be on the lookout for these kind of people

· Who insist on circumcision

· We would call this legalism today

· With that context I have a story I want to share

Me:

Let’s go have lunch

a. Someone found this on the internet

i. I was in complete shock

ii. Then I was mad

iii. They were grace killers – still are.

b. This is when Grace Church had it’s start

i. We had to do better

ii. The phrase A Church of Second Chances

We:

Grace Killers

a. THERE ARE KILLERS ON THE LOOSE TODAY.

i. The problem is that you can’t tell by looking.

ii. They have the appearance of very religious

iii. They talk the talk

b. But they are killers

i. They kill freedom, spontaneity, and creativity; they kill joy.

ii. They kill with their words and their pens and their looks.

iii. They kill with their attitudes far more often than with their behavior.

Wearing a suit

i. What are your thoughts about pastor wearing a suit on Sundays? It seems as though I don't see this as much anymore.

1. Bring your best to the master. He is worthy of our best is he not? If not then in our dress what else can we slack on? If you ask me this has nothing to do with legalism or tradition but our hearts!!!! I wear a suit and tie every Sunday and really can’t understand why everyone doesn’t. It’s all about the heart.

2. My personal conviction is that if I wouldn’t wear any less to meet the President, I shouldn’t wear any less to meet with God and His bride.

d. Beware of those who do evil things.

i. “This day—this very moment—millions who should be free, productive individuals are living in shame, fear, and intimidation.”

ii. The tragedy is they think it is the way they should be.

iii. They have never known the truth that could set them free.

iv. They will bully you into submission

God:

The Liberty of Grace

a. You are free!!

i. Philippians 3:2 (GW) — 2 Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision.

Philippians 3:2 GW

Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision.

ii. Stand up and fight back

iii. You are not depriving me of my liberty

Knowing Christ

i. Galatians 5:1 (NLT) — 1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Galatians 5:1 NLT

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

ii. I will not submit to your legalistic laws

You:

Grace is Risky

a. Question?

Is it ok to…

ii. Lottery – smoke – wear yoga pants – coffee – caffeine

b. Cause a brother to stumble

i. Romans 14:14-23

ii. We can focus on not causing a brother to stumble

1. How far do you take that

2. Should I wear a suit?

iii. Romans 14:14 (NLT) — 14 I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.

Romans 14:14 NLT

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.

(Five guys) (pork steak)

Romans 14:2 (ESV) — 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.

iv. Romans 14:21 (NLT) — 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.

Romans 14:21 NLT

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.

v. Romans 14:22 (NLT) — 22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.

Romans 14:22 NLT

You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.

c. Some guidelines

i. Accepting others is basic to letting them be. (It’s not meat problem it’s love problem)

1. How often we restrict our love by making it conditional

2. See why grace is risky?

ii. Refusing to dictate to others allows the Lord freedom to direct their lives.

1. Romans 14:5 (NIV) — 5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

Romans 14:5 NIV

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

2. Two Examples: Being on time. Quiet time

iii. You are not qualified to judge another person’s liberty

1. You don’t know the facts – motives - the big picture (bankruptcy)

iv. Loving others requires us to express our liberty wisely.

1. My goal is not to please me; it is to please my Lord Jesus, my God. It is not to please you; it is to please my Lord.

2. Romans 14:22 (NLT) — 22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.

Romans 14:22 NLT

You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.

3. I keep some things private

God is very clear on what is sin.

a. We are told to be obedient

i. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments

ii. Thou shall not kill

iii. It’s a sin to gossip

iv. Love your neighbor as yourself