Compromising God: Why Can't We All Get Along?

Scriptural Text:

Central Theme of Passage: The Secret to a Truly Blessed and Joyful Life

Obedience, Results of

Obedience, Results of

A little boy was riding his tricycle furiously around the block, over and over again. Finally a policeman stopped and asked him why he was going around and around. The boy said that he was running away from home. Then the policeman asked why he kept going around the block. The boy responded, “Because my mom said that I’m not allowed to cross the street.”

The point is clear—obedience will keep you close to those you love.

Michael P. Green, ed., Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 Sermon Illustrations Arranged by Topic and Indexed Exhaustively, Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Compromise: Definition

■ noun

(1) an agreement that is reached by each side making concessions.

an intermediate state between conflicting alternatives.

▶an intermediate state between conflicting alternatives.

(2) the expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable.

■ verb

(1) settle a dispute by mutual concession.

(2) expediently accept standards that are lower than is desirable.

(3) bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet or reckless behaviour.

[as adjective compromising] revealing an embarrassing or incriminating secret: a compromising situation."

What Does the Bible Say about Compromise?

To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a prevalent set of standards or rules.

God does not condone compromising His standards:

The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards:

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully” (, NLT).

Thus the Message BreakDown: Part I

Be a person of integrity—live above reproach (be blameless) (vv. 1-4).

The Psalmist illuminates four keys

(1) By obeying God’s Word as you walk throughout each day (v. 1b-2a).

First, people who live above reproach obey God’s Word all day, every day—regardless of the circumstances. A blameless life is the fruit of living according to God’s laws and keeping His testimonies or statutes.

(2) By seeking God with all your heart (v. 2b).

Second, the blameless seek God with all their hearts. They seek Him wholeheartedly and sincerely, with the full intention of doing what He says. They do not walk according to the counsel of the ungodly (). Instead, when they need direction, they go to the Lord in prayer and to His Word. Then, they follow the Lord.

(3) By not compromising with evil—not in any way (v. 3).

Third, a life above reproach comes from not compromising with evil in any way, shape, or form. People of integrity do not follow the way or example of sinners or those who scorn God’s truth . They stay away from people who disobey God’s Word and who mock everything that is holy. Instead, they walk steadfastly in God’s ways—the path of righteousness as mapped out in God’s Holy Word. They refuse to turn from this path to do anything that is wrong ().

Note Some OT compromise:

Unacceptable compromise, . Desire to be like unbelievers, .

Desire to be like unbelievers, .

Calling disobedience compromise, (lb).

Compromised commitment of King Solomon, . Heathen worship for Solomon’s wives, .

Compromised commitment of King Solomon, .

Heathen worship for Solomon’s wives, .

Incomplete faithfulness to God, . Failing to be completely obedient, ; , .

Failing to be completely obedient, ; , .

Secretly disobeying the Lord, . Worshiping the Lord, other gods, .

Worshiping the Lord, other gods, .

Assisting evil, . Doing right, not wholeheartedly, .

Doing right, not wholeheartedly, .

Calling evil good, good evil, . Those who do not want to hear truth, .

Those who do not want to hear truth, .

Hezekiah intimidated, . Desire to be like others, .

Desire to be like others, .

No one can serve two masters, . Marriage between unbelievers, believers, .

Marriage between unbelievers, believers, .

(4) By being careful and diligent to obey God’s Word fully (v. 4).

. 4).Fourth, a blameless life is the result of living in complete obedience to God’s Word. The person above reproach keeps the Lord’s commands diligently (mehode)—with all of his or her might (). Partial obedience to God will result in scorn by those who are constantly watching the believer’s life. Even the slightest disobedience can be cause for ridicule. We must be careful and diligent to obey God’s Word in all things to escape reproach. .

No hospitality to false teachers, .

Jezebel’s influence in Thyatira church, .

Fourth, a blameless life is the result of living in complete obedience to God’s Word.

The person above reproach keeps the Lord’s commands diligently (mehode)—with all of his or her might ().

Partial obedience to God will result in scorn by those who are constantly watching the believer’s life. Even the slightest disobedience can be cause for ridicule.

We must be careful and diligent to obey God’s Word in all things to escape reproach.

Why people are divided by politics and religion. Many people become offended, or defensive when directly confronted on issues or their stands. Many can intuitively know the truth, but can easily be sway by someone who can reason or have a more convincing argument.

Message Summary

obey God’s Word in our daily lives

seek God wholeheartedly

stay separate from evil and evildoers, refusing to compromise our behavior in any way

obey God’s Word fully and consistently, doing our very best to live in such a way that no one can find fault in us