Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

INTRODUCTION
The Measure Of A Strong Christian
Mark A. Copeland
1. When Samuel was sent to anoint the new king of Israel, he learned that God’s measure of a person
was different than man’s - 1 Sam 16:6-7
2. The same is true today...God’s measure of a Christian is often different than that applied by many
people
3. In this lesson...
a. I want to review the measure often used by brethren to evaluate one another
b. And then consider what is God’s measure, which ought to be ours as well
[We begin with...]
I. THE MEASURE OFTEN USED BY BRETHREN
A. WE OFTEN MEASURE CHRISTIANS BY...
1. Their attendance at the services of the church
a. If they attend all of the services, then they must be “faithful brethren”
b. If they attend some of the services, they must be “weak brethren”
2. Their participation in church-related activities
a. If they participate in all of the activities...
1) Such as Bible classes
2) Or Evangelism classes, Visitation programs, etc.
-- Then they truly must be “strong brethren”
b. But if for any reason they do not participate in all that the church offers, their
“commitment” is certainly suspect!
3. Their leadership abilities
a. Men are considered strong Christians if they...
1) Lead singing, prayers, help serve the Lord’s Supper
2) Teach classes, preach sermons
b. Women are considered strong Christians if they...
1) Teach children’s classes, women’s classes
2) Prepare communion, clean the building
B. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MEASURE...
1. It tends to measure the outside of man
a. People can do all these things, and still be spiritually destitute on the inside (I have
known some like this)
b. “Hypocrites” can exist very comfortably with such a measure!
c. Brethren can remain in “spiritual immaturity” if this is the only measure given to them
2. It tends to neglect the multifaceted nature of the body of Christ
a. Especially if emphasis is on the public functions of the church
b. And if emphasis is placed on one function over another (e.g., teaching over service) - cf.
Ro 12:3-8
Topical Sermons 230