FOM
Notes
Why Live Differently?
Part 3 of 5 in the series “Why?”
February 15, 2009 Pastor
ARE CHRISTIANS SUPPOSED TO LOOK
DIFFERENT FROM THE WORLD AROUND THEM?
Ephesians 4:17 – 5:8
“For you
were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light . . .”
Ephesians
5:8
This
question creates . . .
decision-making (tension)
Pulled on one Pulled on the other
side by the need side by the
to do what is need to be
(right)
(relevant)
This decision-making tension focuses
on the reality of (hypocrisy)
“The problem is not fundamentally
hypocrisy. We’re all hypocrites at some
level. The problem is the air of moral
superiority many Christians carry around. We stop acknowledging imperfections in our
lives. We can’t forget all that God has
done in our lives.”
David Kinnaman,
UnChristian
IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE RELEVANT IN
TODAY’S CULTURE?
This question focuses on the need
to (fit in) versus the need to be (transparent)
Being transparent allows others to
know not only what God has already done, but also what God is (continuing)
to do next
Ü
The necessity of spiritual (growth) Û
“But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
WHY DO I LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
Because .
. .
r I am (thankful) for all that God has
done
“Therefore, since we are
receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship
God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
r
My life is better living within God’s (boundaries) than outside
them
“Better is one day in your
courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house
of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Psalm 84:10
r I understand that I am (responsible)
for my brother
“Therefore, if what I eat
causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will
not cause him to fall.”
1 Corinthians 8:13
r I honestly
believe that a transparent life is a more (attractive) life
“In the same way, let your
light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
I am not a new sports car, but an
artifact of God’s story