1. Christians and Tolerance

2. What is Tolerance? “A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own. Freedom from bigotry!” (www.dictionary.com)

3. What is Tolerance? As defined, it is obvious we need to draw lines as to what we tolerate and what we do not tolerate. Most of us have things we will not tolerate. Where do we draw the line?

4. What is Tolerance? There is a difference between a sinner and the sin they commit We are to love the sinner! Matt. 5:44 Romans 12:14, 20-21

5. What is Tolerance? Jesus loved the sinner, not the sin! The rich young ruler – Mark 10:21 The adulterous woman – John 8:10,11 He grieved for Jerusalem – Lk. 13:34-35, Mark 3:56 NEVER, do we find Jesus either approving of or defending sinful conduct!

6. What is Tolerance? The word tolerance is not found in the Bible, but there are principles that we must consider.

7. We CANNOT tolerate sin! NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct! Rom. 6:23 Sin leads to death Psalm 1:1 Where is your delight? Gal. 2:4-5 “to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour…”

8. We CANNOT tolerate sin! NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct! 1 Tim. 6:3-5 From such withdraw yourself – sinful attitudes 2 Tim. 3:1-5 From such people turn away

9. We CANNOT tolerate sin! NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct! Eph. 5:3-11 Do not be partakers with them Expose them!

10. We CANNOT tolerate sin! NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct in churches! Rev. 2:20-23 Allowed false teaching and actions 1 Cor. 5:4-7 – a little leaven! When we stand before God, He will NOT tolerate unrepented sin!

11. Not everyone will agree We live in an ungodly society that is getting worse and worse 2 Tim. 3:13 Strong moral convictions are lacking with most 1 John 4:5, 5:19 - of the world

12. Not everyone will agree When you stand for your convictions, some will be upset Why was Jesus crucified? John 11:48-50 Paul was resisted continually – cf. Acts 19 – in Ephesus

13. Not everyone will agree We will be rejected by the world 2 Tim. 3:12 1 Pet. 4:1-4 “they think it strange…” 1 Pet. 2:12, 3:16 you will be vilainized

14. Not everyone will agree BUT we must let the world be the world! Matt. 15:14 “let them alone…” 1 Cor. 5:9-11 “you would need to go out of the world…”

15. Not everyone will agree BUT we must let the world be the world! John 17:14-19 –IN the world, but not OF the world Rom. 13:1-2, 1 Pet. 2:13-17, cf. vs.18 - submit to governments

16. Not everyone will agree WE must limit our exposure to ungodliness of the world 2 Cor. 6:14-18 –Do not be unequally yoked, come out from among them 1 Cor. 15:33 James 4:4

17. Let us stand with God and those who stand with Him!