Standing Up for What is Right! (Ezek. 22:30-31) Introduction: 1. It seem to me that we live in a “world of compromise,” meaning that we often have to settle for something less than desirable. This may be termed “choosing the lesser of two evils” or something along those lines. a. Now, this may be the best choice when voting or determining where to go to school or where to spend out money. b. But, what about when it comes to “The Word of God?” Should we use this reasoning in religion? 2. The thinking of our world is “it is wrong to tell someone they are wrong” and that we should all “just mind our own business and stay out of every one else is” 3. One of the greatest dangers facing out country is that far too many are not willing to “stand up for what they believe in!” (i.e freedom of religion) a. Freedom of religion meant = the ability to worship God freely, but now people are trying to make it mean, take God out of the country! b. Separation of church and state meant = the government was not to dictate our worship to God, but now people are claiming this means take God’s name off of and out of everything governed by the state or country! 4. I have chosen (Ezek. 22:30-31) for our Scripture reading for a very particular reason! a. We need people today that will “stand in the gap!” That will go against the evil of sin, that are not afraid to speak out against error and stand up for what is right! b. This is exactly what we need today in the church and in our country! Discussion: I. Standing Up For What Is Right Requires Strength! A. As this is the case when it come to those of this life concerning their physical bodies, so it is the case concerning our spiritual lives! B. When those in this life begin to wear down there physical bodies, and their strength weakens, they soon find it very difficult to stand! (Cf. Eccl. 12:1-6) C. You see, we too as Christians must understand our need to properly feed and nourish and exercise ourselves spiritually so that we do not become to weak to stand! 1. Our Food is to be spiritual food (1 Pet. 2:2) 2. Our Nourishment is to come from Christ (Col. 2:18-19 cf. Jn. 15:1-5) 3. Our Exercise is to be unto Godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8; Heb. 5:12-14) D. It is only with the proper food, nourishment and exercise that we will be ready to “Stand up for what is right!” II. Standing Up For What Is Right Requires Stability! A. I am sure that all of us clearly understand what stability means! 1. It is the state, or quality of being stable or secure. (I.e. mental stability, financial stability and so on) 2. If I was to ask you to cross a very high bridge that had been deemed “un-stable” would you do so; if not why not? a. Because it can not be trusted! b. Because it can not be counted on! c. Because it is unsafe! B. We as Christians, must understand that we must learn to be stable, we need to live lives that are trustworthy, that can be counted on! 1. We must be stable in the doctrine of Christ! Eph 4:11-16; 2 Jn. 1:9-11 2. We must be stable in our faith in Christ! Heb 10:22-23 C. As we must have strength to stand by having the right food, nourishment and exercise; me must also learn to have stability! In the doctrine of Christ and in our faith! III. Standing Up For What Is Right Requires Sacrifice! A. Have any of you ever heard someone say, “We must make a stand; or stand up for what is right!” What are they asking by them statements? That we sacrifice! 1. You see, talking about helping others; talking about what is wrong with our country; talking about what needs to be changed; will only get one so far, there comes a time when we must be willing to act, there come a time that we must “make a stand!” we must be willing to “stand in the gap” and go against the current. 2. There comes a time that we must be willing to sacrifice! (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12) B. Being a Christian, requires a life of sacrifice! (Rom. 12:1-2) 1. We are to live a life of sacrifice! “a living sacrifice” 2. I have often wondered if we have forgotten what it means to truly sacrifice? 3. It is not giving God your leftovers! It is not giving God that which you do not need! 4. Sacrifice, means it is going to cost you something, you are going to have to lay down what you find of value to do greater good for the cause of Christ! 5. When we come to acquire strength, and stability we then must act with sacrifice! (Luke 9:23-24) Conclusion: 1. “Are we willing to stand in the gap?” are we willing speak out against sin? Are we willing to fight against the current? 2. Are we willing to stand up for what is right, are we willing to make a stand? 3. If you are not yet a Christian, then you have fallen already! (Rom. 3:23) But today you can regain your footing, you can come to stand on the promises of God, come to know Him and obey Him and be forgiven of sin! Learn to stand up for what it right! 4. If you are a Christian, then remember that the only thing needed for Satan to win is for God’s people to do nothing!
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:50:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015