2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

Why this study? Philippians 2:15 Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15 We are living in spiritually dark times Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13 – written as if for today, as much as in the first 1st century Roman Empire

Why this study? Lights in a Dark World The Christian’s faith is under attack both without and within Without – following Christ is becoming increasingly unpopular. The more we call for uncompromising moral and doctrinal purity, the more we are challenged To question immoral behavior is considered intolerant, hateful and out of touch God’s word is “outdated” & “irrelevant”

Why this study? Lights in a Dark World The Christian’s faith is under attack both without and within Within – the truth is compromised, and those demanding authority are called legalistic The church is treated as unnecessary God’s word is being reinterpreted The standard of moral living is being lowered or ignored Discipline is avoided 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, Rev. 2 & 3

Why this study? It truly is a difficult time to be a Christian Lights in a Dark World It truly is a difficult time to be a Christian But NOT impossible! NOR, are the consequences of ignoring our need to be faithful going to diminish Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12

Lights in a Dark World Introduction 2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Introduction Philippians 2:15

Being an example Lights in a Dark World The power of example - how are examples described in the NT? Examples of being examples – both good and bad (Jesus our ultimate example – 1 Peter 2:21) What does it mean when our light is shining? Matthew 5:14-16

Being an example Lights in a Dark World What does different look like? Jesus, Joseph, Daniel, Paul, etc. How is God influencing me? A study of how He is present within us – cf. Romans 8:9

Being an example Lights in a Dark World Free will – I can choose the path I take, and will answer accordingly In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation – seeking to understand the times we live in, and the influence of Satan in these times. With this understanding we will be better prepared how to live in these times

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Matthew 6:33 – we must consider this in every aspect of our lives? Spiritually – this is where we will start this part! We have a crisis of spirituality – desire to serve God AND mammon, lukewarmness, compromise, selfishness, preferring the worldly, etc. We must understand what it means to put God first, etc.

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Financial – 1 Timothy 6:6-9 – how do our material possessions affect our standing with God? Our health - cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – our bodies belong to God. We need to take care of ourselves Our education – 1 Corinthians 3:19 – what wisdom is influencing our decisions?

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Our occupation – 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – how should we consider God in the workplace? What part does our occupation have in our lives? Family – Ephesians 6:1-4, Genesis 2:24 – the family is the foundational unit of society. We will examine the godly family

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Within Society – Romans 15:2 – are we the type of neighbors and citizens we ought to be? Social media – consider the dangers and strengths of social media. It is here to stay, but it must be managed

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Our moral standards – one of the best ways we can be an example is by considering moral issues Modesty The modern dance Social drinking Gambling Sexuality Our conversations and language Our entertainment – at home and beyond

Putting God first Lights in a Dark World Government – Romans 13:1 What should our attitude be toward the governing authorities, even when they are part of that which is crooked and perverse? Taxes, honor, obeying the laws of the land

Shining as lights What does it mean to serve? Including examples Lights in a Dark World What does it mean to serve? Including examples Benevolence – caring for the needy, both our brethren and others Learning to trust God – 2 Corinthians 5:7 - faith in a crooked and perverse generation Endurance – we cannot give up Be holy – what holiness looks like

Shining as lights Lights in a Dark World Attitudes that turn people off – Phariseeism, binding where God has not, hypocrisy, criticism, uncaring, etc. Attitudes that win people – self-control, kindness, humility, contentment, patience, sincerity, encouraging words, optimism Being part of His church – how the local church helps us in this generation

Shining as lights Lights in a Dark World Treating others the way we want to be treated – Matthew 7:12 Our need for integrity – desperately needed What does godly sacrifice look like? What do we do when the world is against us? We need to react properly

Shining as lights Lights in a Dark World The power of the tongue – language affects influence. James 3:1-12 Our need for courage – needed to stand for right and challenge wrong Judging according to God’s word – Matthew 7:1-5 How do we treat those in sinful lifestyles? E.g. Homosexuals, MDR, etc.

Shining as lights Lights in a Dark World Prayer as we live in this dark world – for what should we pray? 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Go into all the world – Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 3:15 – this ought to be a priority as we deal with the world With a view toward eternity – this world is NOT my home – Philippians 3:20 ???

Are you ready to let your light shine?