Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 92)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" consists of 2 activities, 1 of which is "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. How grateful we need to be that God has provided information in His Word that will help us to remain free from the world's stains. 3. Our 23rd lesson was based on the Lord's warning in Luke 21:8a. 4. This lesson is based on the warning given in 1 Corinthians 3:18a. 5. We are examining 4 ways in which we must not deceive ourselves. Discussion: I. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES CONCERNING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL (Proverbs 20:1)
A. Consider what happened to Noah (Genesis 9:20-21) and Lot (19:30-38). B. The addictive nature of alcohol is discussed in Proverbs 23:29-35. C. Let us heed the instruction given in Ephesians 5:18. II. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES CONCERNING OUR OFFERINGS TO GOD (Malachi 1:14)
A. God required the Israelites to offer unblemished animals to Him as sacrifices. B. In Malachi's day the Israelites offered blemished animals (vs.8, 13). C. In the early church Ananias and Sapphira practiced deception (Acts 5:1-11). D. Let us heed the instruction given in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. III. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES WITH ELEVATED OPINIONS OF OURSELVES (Galatians 6:3)
A. Nebuchadnezzar had a very high opinion of himself (Daniel 4:28-33). B. Let us heed the instructions given in Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6. IV. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES ABOUT RELIGION THAT IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE (James 1:26)
A. Bridling the tongue is a sign of discipline (James 3:2). B. Let us heed the instruction given in Colossians 4:6.
