Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 95)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. We are blessed that God has given us information and instructions that will help us to remain free from the world's stains. 3. Previously, we studied the instructions revealed in Colossians 3:1-14. a. (vs.1) These instructions apply to those who have been raised with Christ [the process whereby a person is raised with Christ is explained in 2:12]. b. (vs.2) Those of us who have been raised with the Lord are to set our affection on the right things. 1) We are to set our affection "on things above." 2) We are not to set our affection "on things on the earth." 4. In this lesson we are examining additional matters addressed in the Bible. Discussion: I. WE ARE NOT TO SET OUR AFFECTION "ON THINGS ON THE EARTH"
A. Things that involve our affection are things we love. B. "Things on the earth" that we are not to set our affection on include: 1. "the praise of men" (John 12:42-43) a. The Pharisees had this problem, and it prevented them from confessing the Lord. b. If we want Jesus to confess us we must confess Him (Matthew 10:32-33). 2. "money" (1 Timothy 6:10) a. The love of money: 1) prevented the rich young ruler from following Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22) 2) caused the first scandal in the church (Acts 5:1-11). b. In I Timothy 6:17-19, Paul showed us what God wants. 3. "ourselves" (2 Timothy 3:1-2a) [think too highly of ourselves -- Romans 12:3] 4. "pleasures" (2 Timothy 3:4) 5. "the world" (1 John 2:15-17) 6. "preeminence" (3 John 9). C. Rather than set our affection on things on the earth such as these, . . . II. WE ARE TO SET OUR AFFECTION "ON THINGS ABOVE"
A. Things that involve our affection are things we love. B. "Things above" that we are to set our affection on include: 1. God (Matthew 22:37; I John 5:3) 2. Christ (Matthew 10:37; John 14:15) 3. our neighbors (Matthew 22:39; 7:12) 4. our fellow Christians (John 13:34-35) 5. God's Word (Psalm 119:97). Conclusion:
1. Proper religion includes keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. 2. To accomplish this, let us set our affection on the right things.
