Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 35)
Introduction:
1. In order to practice "pure and undefiled religion before God" we must "keep ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). 2. Remaining unspotted from the world has a positive and a negative side. a. On the negative side, we must avoid things that displease God. b. On the positive side, we must do things that please God. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on an important activity mentioned in Hebrews 3:13. a. God's people are to "exhort one another": 1) "daily" [on a regular basis] 2) "To day" [while opportunities are present]. b. "Exhortation" may prevent someone from being "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" that leads to spots from the world. c. "Exhortation" may help someone to remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Discussion:
I. TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER, WE MUST ELIMINATE AND AVOID THINGS THAT CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT SUCH AS:
A. "pessimism" (illustrated by the 10 spies -- Deuteronomy 1:26-28) B. giving "foolish advice" (illustrated by Eliphaz -- Job 4:8 and Zophar -- Job 11:6) 1. Job needed some encouragement, but his friends did not help him. 2. He called his friends "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2). C. "provoking others to anger" (Colossians 3:21).
II. TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER, LET US LEARN FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE EXHORTERS
A. Two of Judah's best kings, Hezekiah and Josiah, were exhorters. 1. (2 Chronicles 31:4) Hezekiah gave a command for the benefit of the priests and the Levites "that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord." 2. (2 Chronicles 35:2) Concerning the priests, Josiah "encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord." B. One of the greatest exhorters of all was a man named Barnabas. 1. He encouraged the needy through his generosity (Acts 4:36-37). 2. He encouraged Saul by speaking up for him (Acts 9:26-27). 3. He encouraged the church in Antioch (Acts 11:22-24). 4. He encouraged John Mark. a. (Acts 13:1-5) Mark accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their missionary journey. b. (Acts 13:13) For some reason Mark returned to Jerusalem. c. (Acts 15:36-40) Barnabas insisted on giving Mark another opportunity. C. Let us learn from these great exhorters and follow their examples.
III. LET US CONSIDER SOME SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN EXHORT ONE ANOTHER
A. Those who are older can exhort the young -- God told Moses to encourage Joshua (Deuteronomy 1:38; 31:7-8). B. We can exhort others by letting them know that we are praying for them (Luke 22:31-32). C. We can exhort others through good deeds like Dorcas (Acts 9:36, 39; Matthew 5:16). D. We can exhort others through words (Acts 11:23; Proverbs 25:11), including written words. E. We can exhort others through visits (Matthew 25:36b).
Conclusion:
1. Receiving "exhortation" [encouragement] will help us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. 2. Giving "exhortation" will help others to avoid being spotted by the world.
