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Lessons From the World Introduction:
As Christians we generally think of the things of this world as being bad. We
are warned about “not being conformed to this world” Romans 12.2a; and to not be of this world. We see where the term
world can refer to worldliness which is against the very nature of God. See John
14.15-17; 15.19 as two passages that makes the contrast between the way the
world sees things and God. However, there are times we can learn from the world.
We want to look at some Bible passages where the ways of the world as used to
teach us valuable lessons and then two or three worldly lessons we can learn
today. I)
Luke 16.1-9 A)
The sons of this age are actually more shrewd than the sons of light! 1.
This man was conniving and untrustworthy. Those are not qualities to be emulated
in our lives. 2.
However, he did what was necessary to preserve his quality of life.
a. Recognized the situation, v. 3
b. He decided on a course of action, v.
4
c. He did not hesitate but enacted what needed to be done, v.
5-7 3.
He was commended for his shrewdness (wise in JKV). B)
What would it be like if we acted in the same way? 1.
Recognized the situation. What needs to be done in my life? What area of
obedience do I need to fulfill? 2.
Decide on a course of action. What do I need to do to go to heaven? Repentance,
what to cast off; what weight hinders me from serving God, Hebrews 12.1. 3.
Are we hesitating or are we being shrewd? 4.
The same could be applied to us as a congregation. 5.
Point in verse 9 is if the world acts
this way in regards to things that are temporary then should we not use our
resources to gain eternal life?
a. If people will drive 6 hours to a ball game should we not drive 30
minutes to worship God?
b. If people will discipline their bodies to play a game should we not
discipline our lives to go to heaven? II)
Luke 18.1-8 A)
Parable of the unjust judge. 1.
Judge that did not care and did not fear God. 2.
Widow that wanted justice. She had no other recourse but to go to the judge. 3.
He eventually gave the woman what she wanted due to her persistence.
a. How many times have we seen people that just won’t give up?
b. Most successful people simply would not give up. Despite all their
short comings and failures they would not give up. Abraham Lincoln
and Thomas Edison comes to mind. B)
How quick are we to give up? 1.
In particular in regards to prayer, v. 1 2.
We can not badger God into giving us what we want but we can be persistent in
our prayers. III)
Acts 17.28 A)
Their own poets realized we are the offspring of God 1.
Man has always recognized we were created by God. 2.
They misapplied this and worship “unknown gods” but they recognized that we
are to worship our creator. B)
Therefore, we are not to worship idols but the true God that made us, Acts 17.29 Titus
1.12-13 A)
This was apparently a true statement 1.
Paul used it to teach that false teachers must not be allowed to teach their
doctrine to the saints. 2.
Good manners do not included false teachers either in or out of the church. B)
We should not behave badly those people but neither should we tolerate false
teachers. IV)
Modern Day Sayings A)
KISS 1.
Keep It Simply Sweetheart 2.
You will notice that the best teachers, doctors, politicians are those that can
keep it simply. 3.
Good business models are usually the simplest. 4.
We must keep things simple
a. People twist the scriptures to their own destruction, 2
Peter 3.14-16
b. There are things we are to avoid, Titus
3.9 concerning the law.
c. There are things we are to reject, 1
Timothy 4.7.
d. Keep the Gospel simple – death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
e. Keep your life simple – don’t let things get “complicated” for
that usually means “wrong.” B)
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much they care 1.
Generally a true statement. I want a doctor that cares about me and has
knowledge. 2.
There are some people that I knew had knowledge but they did not care about me! 3.
There is a difference in preaching to people and preaching at people. 4.
We need to care for the soul of the person if we expect them to care what we are
saying. 5.
Must not be quarrelsome, 1 Timothy 3.3; 2
Timothy 2.23ff. 6.
Jews knew the Gentiles were lost and did not care. Jesus did care! Conclusion:
These are some lessons we can learn from the world. Let us be shrewd (wise) in
our service to God; not give up and quit praying; take the Gospel into our
lives, keep it simple; and care about others. |