2. Introduction
Every generation must struggle to “restore” New Testament Christianity: Gen. 26:18
Restoration must include scriptural plan of salvation, and work, worship, organization of the church.
Even when we get these things right; have we truly restored New Testament Christianity?
NO!

3. Introduction Attitude is everything! Prov. 23:7; 4:23
We must restore the attitudes of first century Christians:
Macedonians: 2 Cor. 8:1-5
Galatians: Gal. 4:15
Paul: 1 Cor. 11:1; Gal. 4:12; 2:20; 2 Tim. 3:10

4. Restoring First Century Attitudes
1 Corinthians 11:1

5. Restoring First Century Attitudes
First gave themselves to the Lord
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1-7
“they first gave themselves to the Lord” : 2 Cor. 8:5
What do you “first” give yourself to?
The “Lord” is not top on the list with many.
We have such short and poor memories: Eph. 2:1-7
How can we fail to completely give ourselves to the Lord?! 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rev. 3:16
Restoring First Century Attitudes

6. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Searched the scriptures daily
“more fair-minded … received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily” : Acts 17:11
What do you “first” give yourself to?
Be honest! How many minutes per day (week, month, year?) do you spend studying your Bible? 2 Tim. 2:15
Lack of knowledge is very dangerous! Heb. 5:11-14; Eph. 4:11-14; 2 Tim. 4:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:5, 9; 1 Cor. 2:4-5
Restoring First Century Attitudes

7. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Received their word as the word of God
“you received the word of God …welcomed it not as the word of men, but as…the word of God” : 1 Thess. 2:13
Junk mail vs. registered letter from the IRS.
Be honest! Do you give as much attention to the Bible as that registered letter from the IRS? Acts 10:33b; 2:41
Can you “take it or leave it”? Someday everyone will have to “take it”! Jn. 12:48
Restoring First Century Attitudes

8. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Spend and be spent
“I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” : 2 Cor. 12:15
What do you “first” give yourself to?
How many do you see literally wearing them-selves out in the Lord’s service?
Be honest! How would you characterize your level of service to the Lord? 2 Cor. 12:15
Restoring First Century Attitudes

9. Restoring First Century Attitudes
I am pure from the blood of all men
“I am pure from the blood of all men” : Acts 20:26
How do you know that Paul? “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27
Too distasteful for you? To timid to do it? 1 Jn. 5:19; Jn. 4:35
We need to get over it! Ezek. 33:8-9
Restoring First Century Attitudes

10. Restoring First Century Attitudes
I am not ashamed of the gospel
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” : Rom. 1:16-17
Some brethren are ashamed of the gospel:
Whole counsel? NO!
Attendance? NO!
Evangelism? NO!
Whatever the reason, it’s wrong to be ashamed of the gospel: Rom. 10:17; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Jn. 16:8; Eph. 6:17; Heb 4:12; Jer. 23:29; Acts 2:37 vs. 7:54
Restoring First Century Attitudes

11. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Forget what is behind
“forgetting those things which are behind” : Phil. 3:13-14
Past history is important to remember: Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11
But, we cannot rest on our laurels.
And, we cannot be mired in past sins and failures.
Instead we must look forward and keep our eye firmly on the goal: Phil. 3:13-14
Restoring First Century Attitudes

12. Restoring First Century Attitudes
I can do all things through Christ
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” : Phil. 4:13
Implies two things:
There is something(s) we must “do.”
There is only one source of power…Christ!
“Just do it!”
The power available to us is unlimited: Eph. 3:20; 1:19-22
Restoring First Century Attitudes

13. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Not seeking to please men
“do I seek to please men?” : Gal. 4:13
Applies to our preaching and teaching: 2 Cor. 2:15-17; Matt. 14:4; Acts; Ezek. 3:17-19; Matt. 5:11-12
Applies to our manner of life: Matt. 10:34-39
Restoring First Century Attitudes

14. Restoring First Century Attitudes
I fight not to beat the air
“I fight; not as one who beats the air” : 1 Cor. 9:26
Are you a pretender or a contender?
Some spend so much of their lives trying to play “both sides of the street”; “straddling the fence.”
Have you rid the “high places” from your life? Rom. 13:14; Jas. 4:4; Col. 3:1-2, 5
We need to take being a Christian as serious as Paul did! 1 Cor. 15:31
Restoring First Century Attitudes

15. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Set for the defense of the gospel
“I am set for the defence of the gospel” : Phil. 1:17
Many Christians look for ways to “soften” the gospel message: 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Prov. 23:23
You know, “If we can just make people like us they will obey the gospel.” Leads to compromising!
Where did Paul’s defense of the gospel place him? Acts 17:18; 24:5; 1 Cor. 4:11-13
Restoring First Century Attitudes

16. Restoring First Century Attitudes
I have fought the good fight
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” : 2 Tim. 4:7
Are you preparing yourself this very day to be able to someday say what Paul said?
Are you doing everything necessary to obtain the “crown of righteousness” ? Rom. 12:1-2
Restoring First Century Attitudes

17. Restoring First Century Attitudes
Conclusion
We can restore the:
New Testament plan of salvation.
The scriptural work, worship and organization of the New Testament church.
And still not truly restore the New Testament church.
We must also adopt the Christ-like attitudes of the first century saints.
Have you restored first century attitudes to your character?
Restoring First Century Attitudes