ALL FOR HIS GLORY
Notes
Transcript
Week 33 (3rd Sunday) Baptism Sunday
This Week’s Theme: An Outward Focus
Word for the Week is Edification: Building up others spiritually through words, actions, and decisions that point people toward Christ
Memory verse: Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) [Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Sermon Focus: Followers of Christ should live with concern for the spiritual good and salvation of others rather than merely pleasing themselves.
Sermon Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
INTRODUCTION
THERE ARE SOME DECISIONS IN LIFE WHERE THE QUESTION IS NOT SIMPLY, “IS IT WRONG?” SOMETIMES THE BETTER QUESTION IS, “IS IT WISE?”
WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT CELEBRATES PERSONAL RIGHTS. WE HEAR:
“I HAVE A RIGHT TO DO WHAT I WANT.”
“NOBODY CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO.”
“IT’S MY LIFE.”
“IT’S MY CHOICE.”
“IF IT ISN’T HURTING ME, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?”
BUT PAUL TEACHES US THAT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE CANNOT BE LIVED MERELY ON THE BASIS OF RIGHTS. WE HAVE TO LIVE ON THE BASIS OF RESPONSIBILITY.
THE ISSUE IN CORINTH INVOLVED FOOD THAT HAD BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH PAGAN WORSHIP. SOME BELIEVERS UNDERSTOOD THAT AN IDOL WAS NOTHING AND THEREFORE FELT FREE TO EAT. OTHERS HAD BACKGROUNDS THAT MADE THE ISSUE MORE SENSITIVE.
PAUL ESSENTIALLY SAYS:
“YES, YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT—BUT YOUR RIGHT IS NOT THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.”
BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING GREATER THAN MY PREFERENCE.
SOMETHING GREATER THAN MY PLEASURE.
SOMETHING GREATER THAN MY FREEDOM.
SOMETHING GREATER THAN GETTING MY WAY.
THE GLORY OF GOD MUST BE THE GOVERNING CONCERN OF THE BELIEVER.
PAUL SAYS IN VERSE 31:
“WHATEVER YOU DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.”
THAT MEANS GOD SHOULD GET GLORY OUT OF:
HOW I TALK,
HOW I SPEND,
HOW I DRESS,
HOW I RESPOND,
HOW I HANDLE DISAGREEMENT,
HOW I USE MY FREEDOM,
HOW I TREAT PEOPLE,
AND EVEN THE DECISIONS NOBODY ELSE CONSIDERS SPIRITUAL.
THE MATURE BELIEVER DOES NOT MERELY ASK:
“CAN I DO IT?”
THE MATURE BELIEVER ASKS:
“CAN GOD GET GLORY FROM IT?”
IF WE ARE GOING TO LIVE
SO THAT ALL WE DO IS FOR HIS GLORY,
PAUL PROVIDES US WITH
THREE PRIMARY INSTRUCTIONS.
I. PRIORITIZE CORRECTLY
I. PRIORITIZE CORRECTLY
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
PAUL BEGAN WITH A STATEMENT
HE HAD ALREADY SAID IN 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
HE SAID “ALL THINGS ARE LAWFUL.”
THIS STATEMENT COULD HAVE BEEN
A CORINTHIAN SLOGAN
OR PAUL'S OWN PRINCIPLE THAT THE CORINTHIANS HAD TAKEN TOO FAR.
THEY REASONED
“IF SOMETHING IS NOT EXPLICITLY SINFUL, THEN I AM FREE TO DO IT.”
PAUL RESPONDS THAT PERMISSIBILITY IS NOT THE ONLY CONSIDERATION FOR CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR.
PAUL RESPONDED BY
HELPING THE SAINTS
SET STRAIGHT THEIR PRIORITIES
THERE ARE AT LEAST THREE LEVELS OF ETHICAL CONSIDERATION HERE:
IS IT PERMISSIBLE?
IS IT PERMISSIBLE?
“IS THIS SOMETHING SCRIPTURE FORBIDS?”
IS IT PROFITABLE?
IS IT PROFITABLE?
“WILL THIS ACTUALLY HELP SPIRITUALLY?”
IS IT CONSTRUCTIVE?
IS IT CONSTRUCTIVE?
“WILL THIS BUILD SOMEBODY UP?”
PAUL MOVES CHRISTIANITY BEYOND MERELY ASKING:
“CAN I?”
THE MATURE BELIEVER ASKS:
“SHOULD I?”
AND EVEN BEYOND THAT:
“WILL THIS HELP SOMEBODY ELSE?”
VERSE 24 GIVES THE CONTROLLING PRINCIPLE:
“LET NO ONE SEEK HIS OWN, BUT EACH ONE THE OTHER’S WELL-BEING.”
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY MUST NOT BECOME
CHRISTIAN SELFISHNESS.THE CORINTHIANS WERE FOCUSED ON:
“WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO DO?”
PAUL WANTED THEM TO FOCUS ON:
“WHAT WILL ACCOMPLISH SPIRITUAL GOOD?”
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMETHING BEING PERMISSIBLE AND SOMETHING BEING PROFITABLE.
THERE ARE THINGS I MAY BE FREE TO DO
THAT ARE NOT HELPING ME.
THERE ARE PLACES I MAY BE FREE TO GO
THAT ARE NOT BUILDING ME.
THERE ARE CONVERSATIONS I MAY BE FREE TO HAVE
THAT ARE NOT STRENGTHENING ANYBODY.
THERE ARE ATTITUDES I MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN HAVING
THAT ARE NOT PRODUCING ANYTHING CHRISTLIKE.
PAUL SAYS:
JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD.
PRIORITIZE WHAT IS PROFITABLE
PRIORITIZE WHAT IS PROFITABLE
VERSE 23 SAYS:
“NOT ALL THINGS ARE HELPFUL.”
THE QUESTION IS NOT MERELY:
“WHAT DO I GET OUT OF IT?”
THE QUESTION IS:
“WHAT GOOD COMES OUT OF IT?”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — PHILIPPIANS 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
HERE IS THE TRUTH
FOCUS ON WHAT IS:
TRUE,
NOBLE,
JUST,
PURE,
LOVELY,
AND PRAISEWORTHY.
EVERYTHING THAT ENTERS MY LIFE OUGHT TO PASS THROUGH THE FILTER:
“IS THIS HELPING ME BECOME WHO GOD HAS CALLED ME TO BE?”
ILLUSTRATION: THE GROCERY CART
HAVE YOU EVER GONE GROCERY SHOPPING HUNGRY?
YOU WALK IN INTENDING TO BUY FIVE THINGS, BUT BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD, YOU PUT EVERYTHING IN THE CART.
IT IS AVAILABLE.
YOU CAN AFFORD IT.
NOBODY IS STOPPING YOU FROM PURCHASING IT.
BUT HAVING PERMISSION TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE CART DOES NOT MEAN IT BELONGS IN YOUR DIET.
AND SOME OF US ARE SPIRITUALLY UNHEALTHY BECAUSE WE HAVE CONFUSED AVAILABILITY WITH ADVISABILITY.
EVERYTHING AVAILABLE DOES NOT BELONG IN MY LIFE.
EVERYTHING I CAN WATCH DOES NOT MEAN I SHOULD WATCH IT.
EVERYTHING I CAN SAY DOES NOT MEAN I SHOULD SAY IT.
EVERYTHING I CAN PARTICIPATE IN DOES NOT MEAN IT WILL HELP ME SPIRITUALLY.
PRIORITIZE WHAT IS PRODUCTIVE
PRIORITIZE WHAT IS PRODUCTIVE
PAUL CONTINUES:
“NOT ALL THINGS EDIFY.”
THE WORD EDIFY MEANS TO BUILD UP.
PAUL SAYS:
IF MY FREEDOM TEARS SOMEBODY DOWN, I NEED TO RECONSIDER HOW I AM USING MY FREEDOM.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — ROMANS 14:19
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
MY DECISIONS SHOULD HELP BUILD:
FAITH,
MATURITY,
PEACE,
UNITY,
CHARACTER,
AND CHRISTLIKENESS.
PRIORITIZE PEOPLE
PRIORITIZE PEOPLE
VERSE 1 COR 10:24
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
NOW PAUL GETS TO THE HEART OF THE ISSUE.
SELFISHNESS SAYS:
“WHAT ABOUT ME?”
SPIRITUAL MATURITY ASKS:
“WHAT ABOUT THEM?”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — PHILIPPIANS 2:3–4
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
ILLUSTRATION: HOLDING THE DOOR
WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH A DOOR AND SOMEONE IS COMING BEHIND YOU, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO LET THE DOOR GO.
NOBODY CAN ARREST YOU FOR IT.
BUT COURTESY CAUSES YOU TO LOOK BEHIND YOURSELF AND HOLD THE DOOR.
WHY?
BECAUSE MATURITY RECOGNIZES:
“I’M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WALKING THROUGH HERE.”
AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE REQUIRES US TO DEVELOP THE SPIRITUAL HABIT OF LOOKING BEHIND US.
WHO IS WATCHING ME?
WHO IS LEARNING FROM ME?
WHO IS FOLLOWING ME?
WHO MIGHT BE WEAKENED BY WHAT I AM DOING?
CHURCH, WE HAVE TO PRIORITIZE CORRECTLY.
I CANNOT MAKE EVERY DECISION BASED UPON:
“WHAT DO I WANT?”
SOMETIMES LOVE SAYS:
“EVEN THOUGH I CAN, I WON’T—BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE MATTERS.”
II. PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY
1 CORINTHIANS 10:25–30
PAUL NOW TAKES THE PRINCIPLE AND PUTS IT INTO PRACTICE.
HE TALKS ABOUT MEAT PURCHASED IN THE MARKETPLACE AND FOOD SERVED IN AN UNBELIEVER’S HOME.
HE SAYS:
IF YOU BUY IT FROM THE MARKET, EAT IT.
IF AN UNBELIEVER INVITES YOU TO DINNER, EAT WHAT IS PLACED BEFORE YOU.
DON’T SPEND YOUR LIFE NERVOUSLY INVESTIGATING EVERYTHING.
WHY?
VERSE 26:
“THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL ITS FULLNESS.”
BUT THEN PAUL SAYS THAT IF SOMEONE SPECIFICALLY TELLS YOU THAT THE FOOD WAS OFFERED TO IDOLS, ABSTAIN—NOT BECAUSE THE FOOD ITSELF HAS SUDDENLY CHANGED, BUT BECAUSE THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED.
SOMEONE’S CONSCIENCE IS NOW INVOLVED.
PAUL IS TEACHING US THAT OUR CONVICTIONS HAVE TO BECOME OUR CONSISTENT PRACTICE.
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT.
WE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO LIVE RIGHT IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.
A. PRACTICE FREEDOM WITHOUT FEAR
PAUL SAYS:
“EAT WHATEVER IS SOLD IN THE MEAT MARKET, ASKING NO QUESTIONS FOR CONSCIENCE’ SAKE.”
THE BELIEVER DOES NOT HAVE TO LIVE AFRAID OF EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD.
THE IDOL DOES NOT OWN CREATION.
GOD DOES.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — PSALM 24:1
“THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL ITS FULLNESS.”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — 1 TIMOTHY 4:4–5
PAUL TEACHES THAT WHAT GOD CREATED IS GOOD WHEN IT IS RECEIVED WITH THANKSGIVING.
THE CHRISTIAN IS NOT CALLED TO LIVE IN BONDAGE TO SUPERSTITION.
WE BELONG TO CHRIST.
WE KNOW WHO OWNS THE EARTH.
WE KNOW WHO PROVIDES OUR FOOD.
WE KNOW WHO IS LORD OVER CREATION.
B. PRACTICE FELLOWSHIP WITHOUT COMPROMISE
VERSE 27 SAYS IF AN UNBELIEVER INVITES YOU TO EAT AND YOU DESIRE TO GO, GO.
THAT IS IMPORTANT.
PAUL HAD JUST TOLD THEM IN VERSE 14:
“FLEE FROM IDOLATRY.”
BUT NOW HE SAYS:
“YOU CAN EAT WITH AN UNBELIEVER.”
WHY?
BECAUSE SEPARATION FROM SIN DOES NOT REQUIRE ISOLATION FROM SINNERS.
JESUS HIMSELF ATE WITH PEOPLE RELIGIOUS LEADERS AVOIDED.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — LUKE 5:29–32
JESUS ATE WITH TAX COLLECTORS AND SINNERS BECAUSE HE CAME TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE.
THE BELIEVER HAS TO KNOW HOW TO BE:
IN THE WORLD WITHOUT BECOMING LIKE THE WORLD.
WE DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR SIN IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR LIVES.
YOU CAN LOVE SOMEBODY WITHOUT APPROVING EVERYTHING THEY DO.
YOU CAN SIT AT THEIR TABLE WITHOUT SURRENDERING YOUR TESTIMONY.
YOU CAN BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR CONVICTIONS.
ILLUSTRATION: SALT
JESUS CALLED HIS PEOPLE “THE SALT OF THE EARTH.”
SALT DOES NO GOOD IF IT REMAINS INSIDE THE SALTSHAKER.
THE SALT HAS TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH WHAT IT IS INTENDED TO INFLUENCE.
BUT WHEN SALT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH FOOD, THE SALT CHANGES THE FOOD—THE FOOD IS NOT SUPPOSED TO CHANGE THE SALT.
CHURCH, GOD HAS NOT CALLED US TO HIDE FROM THE WORLD.
HE HAS CALLED US TO INFLUENCE THE WORLD.
C. PRACTICE CONSIDERATION WITHOUT CONFUSION
VERSE 28 CHANGES EVERYTHING.
IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU:
“THIS WAS OFFERED TO IDOLS,”
PAUL SAYS:
DON’T EAT.
NOT BECAUSE THE MEAT BECAME SINFUL.
BUT BECAUSE SOMEBODY MAY INTERPRET YOUR PARTICIPATION AS APPROVAL OF IDOLATRY.
PAUL SAYS:
“CONSIDER THEIR CONSCIENCE.”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — ROMANS 14:13
PAUL SAYS WE SHOULD RESOLVE NOT TO PUT A STUMBLING BLOCK OR CAUSE TO FALL IN OUR BROTHER’S WAY.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — 1 CORINTHIANS 8:9
“BEWARE LEST SOMEHOW THIS LIBERTY OF YOURS BECOME A STUMBLING BLOCK TO THOSE WHO ARE WEAK.”
HERE IS MATURE CHRISTIANITY:
I KNOW I AM FREE, BUT I DON’T HAVE TO PROVE IT.
SOME PEOPLE ACT LIKE SPIRITUAL MATURITY MEANS:
“NOBODY IS GOING TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN’T DO.”
BUT PAUL SAYS SPIRITUAL MATURITY MAY MEAN:
“NOBODY HAS TO TELL ME TO GIVE IT UP—I CARE ENOUGH ABOUT YOU TO GIVE IT UP VOLUNTARILY.”
ILLUSTRATION: LOWERING THE VOLUME
IMAGINE THAT YOU ARE PLAYING MUSIC IN YOUR HOUSE.
NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE MUSIC.
YOU ENJOY IT.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY IT.
BUT THEN SOMEONE ENTERS WHO IS TRYING TO HEAR AN IMPORTANT PHONE CALL.
YOU DO NOT ARGUE:
“THIS IS MY HOUSE! I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY MY MUSIC!”
MATURITY SAYS:
“I CAN LOWER THE VOLUME BECAUSE SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT IS HAPPENING.”
THAT’S WHAT PAUL IS TEACHING.
SOMETIMES THE MATURE BELIEVER KNOWS HOW TO LOWER THE VOLUME ON HIS RIGHTS BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE’S SPIRITUAL WELFARE IS MORE IMPORTANT.
IF WE ARE GOING TO LIVE ALL FOR HIS GLORY, WE HAVE TO PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY.
III. PURSUE CONSTANTLY
III. PURSUE CONSTANTLY
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31–33
PAUL NOW REACHES THE CLIMAX OF HIS ARGUMENT.
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
NOTICE THE WORDS:
“WHATEVER YOU DO.”
GOD’S GLORY IS NOT MERELY SOMETHING WE PURSUE:
ON SUNDAY MORNING,
DURING WORSHIP,
DURING BIBLE STUDY,
WHEN WE PRAY,
WHEN WE SING.
PAUL SAYS:
EATING.
DRINKING.
WHATEVER YOU DO.
IN OTHER WORDS:
THERE SHOULD NEVER BE A PART OF MY LIFE WHERE GOD’S GLORY IS IRRELEVANT.
PURSUE GOD’S GLORY
PURSUE GOD’S GLORY
OUR HIGHEST PURPOSE IS NOT:
MY COMFORT.
NOT:
MY CONVENIENCE.
NOT:
MY APPLAUSE.
NOT:
MY PREFERENCE.
BUT:
HIS GLORY.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — COLOSSIANS 3:17
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
PAUL TEACHES THAT WHATEVER WE DO IN WORD OR DEED SHOULD BE DONE IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — MATTHEW 5:16
JESUS SAYS:
“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.”
MY LIFE OUGHT TO MAKE GOD LOOK GOOD.
MY ATTITUDE OUGHT TO POINT TO GOD.
MY DECISIONS OUGHT TO HONOR GOD.
MY TREATMENT OF PEOPLE OUGHT TO REFLECT GOD.
MY USE OF LIBERTY OUGHT TO MAGNIFY GOD.
ILLUSTRATION: THE SPOTLIGHT
WHEN SOMEONE IS ON A STAGE AND THE SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON THEM, EVERYONE’S ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TOWARD THE PERSON IN THE LIGHT.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE SHOULD WORK THE SAME WAY.
GOD HAS PLACED US IN FAMILIES, WORKPLACES, NEIGHBORHOODS, MINISTRIES, AND COMMUNITIES SO THAT OUR LIVES CAN BECOME A SPOTLIGHT.
BUT THE SPOTLIGHT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO STOP ON US.
IT SHOULD DIRECT ATTENTION TO HIM.
JESUS SAID:
LET THEM SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS—
BUT HE DID NOT STOP THERE.
HE SAID:
AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER.
THE GOAL IS NOT:
“LOOK AT ME.”
THE GOAL IS:
“LOOK AT HIM.”
PURSUE A GODLY WITNESS
PURSUE A GODLY WITNESS
32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,
DON’T BECOME AN OBSTACLE.
NOW THAT DOES NOT MEAN WE WILL NEVER OFFEND ANYBODY.
THE GOSPEL ITSELF CAN OFFEND.
TRUTH CAN OFFEND.
BIBLICAL CONVICTION CAN OFFEND.
BUT WE SHOULD MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE OFFENDED BY THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL AND NOT THE SELFISHNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN.
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — 2 CORINTHIANS 6:3
PAUL SAYS:
“WE GIVE NO OFFENSE IN ANYTHING, THAT OUR MINISTRY MAY NOT BE BLAMED.”
WE SHOULD NEVER WANT SOMEBODY TO REJECT CHRIST
BECAUSE WE MADE CHRIST DIFFICULT TO SEE.
PURSUE THE SALVATION OF OTHERS
PURSUE THE SALVATION OF OTHERS
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
NOW WE DISCOVER PAUL’S ULTIMATE CONCERN.
THIS WHOLE CONVERSATION ABOUT:
FOOD,
MEAT,
RIGHTS,
LIBERTY,
CONSCIENCE,
ENDS WITH:
“THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.”
PAUL IS SAYING:
“SOULS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY PREFERENCES.”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
PAUL SAYS:
“I HAVE BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN, THAT I MIGHT BY ALL MEANS SAVE SOME.”
SUPPORTIVE SCRIPTURE — MARK 10:45
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
JESUS SAID HE DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE AND GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY.
PAUL’S WILLINGNESS TO SURRENDER HIS RIGHTS REFLECTED THE SAVIOR HE FOLLOWED.
ILLUSTRATION: THE RESCUE BOAT
IMAGINE A RESCUE TEAM HEADED TOWARD PEOPLE TRAPPED IN FLOODWATERS.
THE RESCUE BOAT IS NOT ABOUT THE COMFORT OF THE PEOPLE ALREADY INSIDE THE BOAT.
NOBODY SAYS:
“I DON’T WANT THEM BRINGING THOSE WET PEOPLE IN HERE.
THEY’LL MESS UP THE BOAT.”
THE WHOLE REASON THE BOAT IS THERE IS TO RESCUE SOMEBODY.
CHURCH, SOMETIMES WE FORGET WHY GOD LEFT US HERE.
GOD COULD HAVE SAVED US AND IMMEDIATELY TAKEN US TO HEAVEN.
BUT HE LEFT US HERE BECAUSE THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE WHO NEED TO BE REACHED.
THE CHURCH IS NOT A CRUISE SHIP DESIGNED MERELY FOR THE COMFORT OF THE PASSENGERS.
WE ARE A RESCUE VESSEL.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED JESUS.
AND IF GIVING UP A PREFERENCE HELPS SOMEBODY SEE CHRIST—
GIVE IT UP.
IF CHANGING AN APPROACH HELPS SOMEBODY HEAR THE GOSPEL—
CHANGE IT.
IF LAYING DOWN A RIGHT HELPS REMOVE AN UNNECESSARY BARRIER—
LAY IT DOWN.
BECAUSE THE GOAL IS:
“THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.”
CONCLUSION
PAUL GIVES US THREE INSTRUCTIONS
IF ALL WILL BE FOR HIS GLORY
IF ALL WILL BE FOR HIS GLORY
I. PRIORITIZE CORRECTLY
STOP ASKING ONLY:
“WHAT DO I WANT?”
START ASKING:
“WHAT BUILDS PEOPLE?”
II. PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY
LIVE YOUR CONVICTIONS WITH ENOUGH MATURITY TO KNOW WHEN TO ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM AND WHEN TO SURRENDER IT.
III. PURSUE CONSTANTLY
IN EVERYTHING:
PURSUE GOD’S GLORY AND THE SALVATION OF OTHERS.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NOT ULTIMATELY ABOUT:
GETTING OUR WAY.
IT IS ABOUT:
GIVING GOD GLORY.
IT’S NOT ABOUT:
PROVING OUR FREEDOM.
IT’S ABOUT:
PROCLAIMING OUR SAVIOR.
IT’S NOT ABOUT:
PROTECTING OUR PRIVILEGES.
IT’S ABOUT:
POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS.
AND NOBODY DEMONSTRATED THIS TRUTH
BETTER THAN JESUS.
JESUS HAD RIGHTS.
BUT HE LAID THEM DOWN.
HE BEING SOVEREIGN
BECAME A SERVANT
HE WAS INNOCENT.
YET HE TOOK OUR GUILT.
HE WAS RIGHTEOUS.
YET HE BORE OUR SIN.
HE LOOKED BEYOND HIS COMFORT
AND SAW OUR CONDITION.
HE LOOKED BEYOND HIS PRIVILEGE
AND SAW OUR PREDICAMENT.
HE LOOKED BEYOND WHAT HE DESERVED
AND GAVE US WHAT WE DESPERATELY NEEDED.
LEARNING FROM
THE SAVOIR
WHEN WE SPEAK—
WE SHOULD
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE SERVE—
WE SHOULD
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE SACRIFICE—
WE SHOULD
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE SURRENDER MY RIGHTS—
WE SHOULD
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE LOVE MY NEIGHBOR—
WE SHOULD DO IT
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE SHARE THE GOSPEL—
WE SHOULD DO IT
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHETHER WE EAT OR DRINK
OR WHATEVER WE DO
WE SHOULD DO IT
FOR HIS GLORY.
WHEN WE TAKE OUR LAST BREATH
WHEN WE CLOSE OUR EYES FOR THE LAST TIME.
I KNOW I WANT PEOPLE TO SAY:
HE DIDN’T LIVE FOR HIMSELF.
HE DIDN’T LIVE FOR APPLAUSE.
HE DIDN’T LIVE FOR POSSESSIONS.
HE DIDN’T LIVE JUST TO GET HIS WAY.
HE LIVED SO SOMEBODY COULD SEE JESUS.
BECAUSE EVERYTHING WE ARE—
EVERYTHING WE HAVE—
AND EVERYTHING WE DO—
OUGHT TO BE:
ALL FOR HIS GLORY!
