Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 76)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. To help us remain free from the world's spots, the Scriptures reveal many things that are not profitable. 3. A number of Bible characters illustrate the importance of avoiding such things, including: a. Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:11) b. the one talent man (Matthew 25:24-25, 30). 4. In our lesson we are considering "5 things that do not profit."
Discussion:
I. IN MATTHEW 16:26 JESUS TAUGHT THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN GAINING THE WORLD WHILE LOSING THE SOUL
A. The rich young ruler illustrates this point very well (Matthew 19:22). B. Jesus gave an appropriate warning in Luke 12:15.
II. WE LEARN FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 13:3 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN DOING GOOD DEEDS WITHOUT LOVE
A. God's people are to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). B. The Bible also teaches in Titus 3:8 that good works are profitable. C. However, they must be done with the proper motive -- love. D. A good admonition for us to remember is given in 1 Corinthians 16:14.
III. ACCORDING TO GALATIANS 5:1-4, THERE IS NO PROFIT IN SEEKING TO BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES
A. Christ fulfilled the law and took it out of the way when He died (Colossians 2:14). B. We learn from Hebrews 8:6 that Christ is "the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." C. Let us heed the admonition given in Colossians 3:16a -- "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."
IV. PAUL SHOWED IN 2 TIMOTHY 2:14 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN CERTAIN TYPES OF WORDS
A. Let us consider the guidelines in 1 Timothy 6:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9. B. Let us practice the admonition given in Colossians 4:6 -- "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt."
V. FINALLY, WE ARE SHOWN IN JAMES 2:14-17 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN HAVING FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
Conclusion:
1. These are 5 things that do not profit. 2. Let us: a. avoid these things as well as anything else that does not profit b. pursue things that are profitable (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). 3. Doing so will help us greatly in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
