Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 31)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is an important part of "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. How grateful we need to be that God's Word addresses many issues that will help us to remain unspotted from the world. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on passages that will help us in overcoming and avoiding harmful practices and habits. 4. Not all harmful practices and habits are specifically addressed in the Bible. 5. However, the Bible reveals instructions and principles by which we can determine whether we should participate in any activity. Discussion: I. ROMANS 12:1-2
A. Each Christian is responsible for presenting his "body" [mind, body, and soul] as a living and holy sacrifice to God. B. We are not to be conformed to the world. C. Rather, we are to rise above the world. II. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20
A. In the context, Paul was teaching Christians to avoid fornication. B. In teaching God's people to avoid fornication, Paul showed what the Christian's body is -- the temple of the Holy Spirit. C. Because we are bought with such a high price, we are to glorify God in our spirits as well as our bodies. D. Sometimes people attempt to justify some practice by saying, "My body is mine, and I will do as I please." E. (vs.20b) The Christian's body and spirit are not his -- they belong to God. III. (1 CORINTHIANS 9:27) We are to bring our bodies under subjection. IV. (GALATIANS 5:24-25) We are to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts. V. (MATTHEW 22:39; 7:12) We are to be concerned about other people.
