Sunday Service on March 23, 2025

Outline

Importance of Righteous Living

  • The pastor emphasizes the critical importance of righteous living for Christians, defining it as conducting oneself uprightly in moral matters and aligning actions and thoughts with biblical principles.

  • God commands believers to live righteously, which means loving what God loves and hating what God hates.
  • Justifying poor behavior or using excuses is warned against, stating that believers who know better should act accordingly.
  • Striving to get as close as possible to yielding one's whole life to God is encouraged, even if perfection is unattainable.
  • Righteous living involves daily renewal of one's mind and taking every thought captive in obedience to Christ.


Warnings Against Backsliding

  • Strong caution is given against backsliding or returning to sinful behaviors after coming to know Christ.

  • 2 Peter 2:22 is referenced, comparing backsliders to dogs returning to their vomit or washed pigs returning to the mud.
  • It would be better for someone never to have known the truth than to know it and turn away.
  • Criticism is directed towards 'greasy, nasty Christians' who continue to engage in worldly behaviors like clubbing or listening to secular music with inappropriate content.
  • Confronting fellow believers who are backsliding is advocated, sometimes needing others to 'get in their face' to help stay on the right path.
  • Personal anecdotes of being rebuked by other Christians when straying in younger years are shared.


Accountability and Taking Responsibility

  • A major theme throughout the sermon is the need for Christians to take personal responsibility for their actions and spiritual growth.

  • The tendency to blame-shift or make excuses for poor choices is criticized.
  • Believers must own up to mistakes and the consequences of decisions.
  • Parental responsibility is particularly focused on, stating that children's behavior largely reflects what they learn at home.
  • Parents are encouraged to be strong role models and set clear boundaries and expectations for children.
  • The importance of self-awareness, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and avoiding situations that may lead to temptation or sin is discussed.


Warnings About False Teachers and Deception

  • Apostle Peter's warnings about false teachers and deception creeping into the church are referenced.

  • Preachers who act more like performers, selling the American dream rather than preaching the true gospel, are criticized.
  • Congregation members are encouraged to always check what is being preached against scripture and question anything that doesn't align with God's word.
  • A warning about a 'great apostasy' or falling away from true faith is noted, mentioning that even those who attend church can be disconnected from genuine relationship with God if picking and choosing which parts of scripture to follow.


Importance of Prayer and Fasting

  • The critical role of prayer and fasting in maintaining a strong spiritual life is emphasized.

  • 'If you don't pray, you won't stay' in the faith is stated.
  • Believers are encouraged to pray for themselves as well as others, noting the power of laying hands on oneself and praying for personal correction and growth.
  • Healing and restoration through prayer and fasting are highlighted, allowing God to deal with individuals on a deeper, more personal level.


Living as a Witness

  • The congregation is exhorted to live in a way that witnesses to others about Christ.

  • Leading with life rather than just words is encouraged.
  • Personal examples of how lifestyle choices have influenced those around without explicitly preaching are shared.
  • The importance of integrity - being the same person in all situations and living according to professed values and principles - is emphasized.
  • Praying for and showing compassion towards those who are lost or struggling, rather than merely criticizing behavior, is discussed.


Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

  • Six practical areas for believers to focus on in spiritual growth are outlined.

  • Self-awareness involves understanding strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and values.
  • Emotional regulation includes learning to manage and express emotions in a godly way.
  • Responsibility means taking ownership of actions and decisions.
  • Integrity requires acting consistently according to values and principles.
  • Boundaries involve respecting personal and emotional boundaries in relationships.
  • Self-control entails exercising restraint and discipline in thoughts, words, and actions.
  • These principles, when applied consistently, can lead to significant spiritual growth and a more effective witness for Christ. 

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