Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Faith In The Community
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world...
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development - 1 Pe 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world - 1 Pe 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is “the community”...
a. The cities and neighborhoods in which we live
b. Relationships we maintain with our neighbors and fellow citizens
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the community...?
a. What effect should it have on us as neighbors and citizens?
b. How can our communities become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. In 1 Th 4:11-12, Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians living in this world...
a. To lead a quiet life c. To work with our own hands
b. To mind our own business d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
[What this entails may be gleaned further as we consider passages which speak of Christians as
neighbors and citizens. So let us start by looking at...]
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS NEIGHBOR
A. TO ASSOCIATE WITH OTHERS...
1. True, we are to be separate - cf. 2 Co 6:14-18
2. But we must not confuse separation with isolation - cf. 1 Co 5:9-13
3. Jesus provides the example - cf. Mk 2:14-17
B. TO LIVE IN PEACE...
1. As much as it depends on us - cf. Ro 12:17-21
2. Careful to give no offense if possible - cf. 1 Co 10:32-33
C. TO WALK IN LOVE AND WISDOM...
1. We owe it to our neighbors to love them - cf. Ro 13:8-10
2. Showing kindness through hospitality (love of strangers) - cf. Ro 12:13; 1 Ti 3:2; 5:10
3. Making good use of our time - cf. Co 4:5
4. Speaking with truth and grace - cf. Co 4:6; Ep 4:25,29
D. TO DO GOOD...
1. Diligent in doing good works - cf. Mt 5:16; Lk 6:35; Ga 6:10; 1 Th 5:15; 1 Ti 6:17-
18; Ti 3:8 1 Pe 2:12
2. Displaying honorable conduct - cf. 1 Pe 2:12; 2 Co 8:21
3. Earning a good testimony from those outside - cf. 1 Ti 3:7; Ac 22:12
[In Ti 3:1-2, Paul sums up what is our duty as neighbors. He also touches on what is our duty as
citizens, upon which we will now elaborate...]
Topical Sermons 121