Keeping Ourselves Unspotted from the World (Lesson 22)
Introduction:
1. To practice "pure and undefiled religion before God" we must "keep ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). 2. Thankfully, the Bible addresses many specific issues that relate to keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. 3. This lesson is based on the instructions given in Colossians 3:1-2. a. 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. Those who have been raised with the Lord are to set their affections on the right things. 1) The affections are to be set "on things above." 2) The affections are not to be set "on things on the earth." c. When we talk about objects that involve our affections, we are talking about things we love. 4. In our lesson we are considering 6 types of love that are to be avoided as well as 6 types of love that are to be possessed. Discussion: I. TO KEEP OURSELVES UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD WE MUST AVOID CERTAIN TYPES OF LOVE
A. (John 12:42-43) We must not love "the praise of men more than the praise of God." 1. The Pharisees had this problem, and it prevented them from confessing the Lord. 2. If we want Jesus to confess us we must confess Him (Matthew 10:32-33). B. (I Timothy 6:10) We must not love "money." 1. The love of money: a. prevented the rich young ruler from following Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22) b. caused the first scandal in the church (Acts 5:1-11). 2. In I Timothy 6:17-19, Paul showed us what God wants. C. (II Timothy 3:1-2a) We must not love ourselves [think too highly of ourselves -- Romans 12:3]. D. (II Timothy 3:4) We must not be "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." E. (I John 2:15-17) We must not love "the world." F. (III John 9) We must not love having "preeminence."
II. TO KEEP OURSELVES UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD WE MUST POSSESS CERTAIN TYPES OF LOVE
A. We are to love God (Matthew 22:37; I John 5:3). B. We are to love Christ (Matthew 10:37; John 14:15). C. We are to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39; 7:12). D. We are to love our fellow Christians (John 13:34-35). E. We are to love God's Word (Psalm 119:97). F. We are to love the Lord's appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). Conclusion:
1. We Learn from I Corinthians 13:13 that love is extremely important. 2. Love plays an important role in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. 3. Let us ask God for regular examinations as David did (Psalm 139:23-24). a. Are your affections "on things above?" b. Are your affections "on things on the earth?"
