Let’s Make Some Applications!

Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…

Let’s Make Some Applications! Does God expect us to make righteous and spiritual application of His words, laws, and principles to our daily lives? (Matt 5:20-48) Does God view as “sin” our failure to make spiritual applications of His principles? Is a woman who wears a bikini in public (bra and panties) TRULY immodest? (1 Tim. 2:10) Is a person who aborts an unborn child from the womb TRULY guilty of murder? Is the modern “slow dance” TRULY sensual?

Galatians 5:19-21 19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:29-32 29being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Ephesians 5:3-4 3But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

Ephesians 5:7-11 7Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 

Hebrews 5:13-14 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Let’s Make Some Applications! Could it be that on some subjects, in spite of clear principles in God’s Word, we simply have a desire to do what we want to do? Do we quickly dismiss how others apply God’s principles and laws? (Prov. 9:8-11) Does the influence of the dominant world-view called “Postmodernism” keep us from thinking about things as right or wrong? (Isn’t it more intelligent & broad-minded to avoid decisive judgments on moral & religious issues?) Proverbs 9:8-12 ( NKJV ) 8    Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.

Advocates free expression and choice, especially of sexuality Subject Postmodern Concept Biblical Concept John 17:17 Truth Denies absolute and objective truth – says truth is subjective, always changing   John 14:6 Pluralism Says all religions are valid paths to salvation – people who disagree are bigots Rom. 12:9 Tolerance Advocates free expression and choice, especially of sexuality    

Postmodern Concept Biblical Concept Subject Postmodern Concept Biblical Concept Matt. 28:18 2 Cor. 10:5 Authority Rejects authority – follows subjective feelings and group consensus   Rom. 10:17 Faith Elevates feelings, imagination, mysticism and group consensus   John 4:24 John 15:14 Spirituality Spiritual power & wholeness comes from oneness with an unknowable universal force  

Let’s Make Some Applications! Scriptural Authority for the Work and Worship of the Church Use of Alcohol; Gambling, Lottery Modest Dress; Sensual Dancing Music, Movies, TV – Profanity, Sexuality Work-Related Choices Attendance at Services Etc., etc., etc.

Spiritual Principles to Consider 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matt. 5:6 21Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thess. 5:21-22 1. We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness with a heart that wants to avoid every form of evil. Matthew 5:6 ( NKJV ) 6    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,     For they shall be filled. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ( NKJV ) 21Test all things; hold fast what is good.  22Abstain from every form of evil.

Spiritual Principles to Consider 12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 15.…that your progress may be evident to all.  16Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:12-16 2. We are to bear the responsibility of setting a good example for one another.

Spiritual Principles to Consider 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Rom. 12:9-11 3. We are to honor one another and prefer one another’s good over our own. 

Spiritual Principles to Consider Obey those who rule over you (be persuaded by them, follow their lead), and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb. 13:17 4. We are to listen to the judgments and wisdom of those who watch over our souls. Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head. Leviticus 19:32 You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.

Spiritual Principles to Consider We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness with a heart to avoid every form of evil. We are to bear the responsibility of setting a good example for one another. We are to honor one another and prefer one another’s good over our own. We are to listen to the judgments and wisdom of those who watch over our souls.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:17) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Mk. 16:16) Repent of Your Sins (Acts 17:30) Confess Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10) Be Baptized for Forgiveness of Sins (Acts 2:38) Live Faithfully until You Die (Rev. 2:10)