Morality Christian and the

The Christian and Morality Acts 17:11-These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

The Christian and Morality Acts 17:11-These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Two parts to this nobility There must be a desire to search the Scriptures. First Matthew 6:10-Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Two parts to this nobility There must be willingness after finding what one seeks to do something with it. Second

The Battle between the Flesh & Spirit

The Battle between the Flesh and Spirit Romans 7:15-25

IGNORE IT. The Mind & Conscience One of the ways our mind and conscience have of protecting themselves from the guilt and frustration that Paul speaks of is to … IGNORE IT.

The Mind & Conscience Galatians 5:19-Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

The Mind & Conscience (21) envy, 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.

The Mind & Conscience No one here would deny that: Lying is wrong   Lying is wrong Fornication is wrong Stealing is wrong Murder is wrong Covetousness is wrong

The Mind & Conscience There are reasons why a Christian will do this. They are ignorant and simply do not know yet. They are controlled by the lust and do not want to give it up.

The Mind & Conscience They do not desire to feel the guilt and remorse if they admit it is wrong. They do not want to deal with the effort and toil of having to get rid of it.

The Principle of… what's RIGHT with it VERSUS what's WRONG with it Ephesians 5:10-finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 1Thessalonians 5:2-Abstain from every form of evil. VERSUS what's WRONG with it

The Battle between the Flesh and Spirit Galatians 5:19-Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, If you violate this principle or feel this lust, then whatever it is that causes this lust is sinful!!!!

Consider a classic example: Matthew 5:27-30 These things are manifested in… Dancing Jokes Songs Sexual appeal on commercials Fornication Adultery Magazines Movies Immodest apparel

Our minds will always be ahead of our deeds. Remember… To be noble and high born in God’s eyes we must want to know if it right.   Our minds will always be ahead of our deeds. It is not enough to conclude that because a practice is not specifically dealt with in the Scriptures that it is good.

Remember… Principles must be considered for the vast majority of things. Why is it done? What is it associated with? What desires does it kindle?

Remember… Principles must be considered for the vast majority of things. What are the fruits of this activity? Is this well pleasing to the Lord (what is right about this)? (Continued)

A Great Moral Upheaval Colossians 1:13-He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, conveyed To transpose, to transfer, to remove from one place to another a) used of change of situation or place b) to remove from the office of a steward c) to depart from life, to die

Paul speaks of this great change… Ephesians 4:17-32

The Motivations and Reasons Why submit to the moral standards of God? Why be meticulous not only in observing what we already know, but also in diligently seeking for further improvement and restriction?

The Motivations and Reasons Why should we bind ourselves with the cumbersome standards of the Scriptures?

The Motivations and Reasons The most fundamental answers that the Christian might offer is: So I don't have to go to hell! Because I want to go to heaven!

The Motivations and Reasons More complicated answers might be: Gratitude God has given me all that I have in this life: My body, health, lifestyle, All that is good has come from the hands of a loving Creator whom it is now my obligation to serve and honor. joys, emotions, family.

The Motivations and Reasons More complicated answers might be: Wisdom God created the human body, human soul, and the human emotions. God knows what will keep us as happy and contented as it is possible to be in this life.

The Motivations and Reasons More complicated answers might be: Wisdom By submitting to his moral standards, I am doing as much as is possible to keep myself happy, contented, and healthy.

The Motivations and Reasons More complicated answers might be: Value God’s moral standards are all based on the principle of love. Of acting in the best interests of all the rest of the people I associate with.

The Motivations and Reasons More complicated answers might be: Value When I follow God’s standards: I become the best… Husband/wife Boss/employee Father/mother Citizen, etc…

They promote happiness The Scriptures They are right They promote happiness They are compassionate God gave them to me Great reward Avoidance of great calamity

Children of Darkness Children of Light Romans 12:1-3 Galatians 6:7-8-Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Sowing to the Flesh Hosea 8:7-"They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; it shall never produce meal. If it should produce, aliens would swallow it up. 1 John 2:15-17 1 Corinthians 15:33 Isaiah 15:20

Life based on the Will of God 1 Peter 1:13-19 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Romans 8:5-8 Romans 8:12-14