Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Prescription For Spiritual Health
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. In 3 Jn 2, John expresses his concern for Gaius’ physical well-being...
a. Implied is the excellent status of Gaius’ spiritual well-being
b. How about our spiritual health?
2. Spiritual vitality and strength are attained only through effort...
a. Just like physical health requires a proactive approach to wellness
b. What is need to maintain a good level of spiritual health?
3. While I am not a doctor, nor play one on TV...
a. Let’s take a look at the Great Physician’s “PDR” (physician’s desk reference, i.e., the Bible)
b. To see if we can’t come up with a “Prescription For Spiritual Health”
[Both physical health and spiritual health require...]
I. A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM
A. TO WARD OFF DISEASE...
1. Without a healthy immune system, relatively small threats can be deadly
2. Spiritually, how strong is our ability to withstand threats like:
a. Temptation?
b. False teaching?
c. Persecution?
B. TO FACE THE INEVITABLE...
1. Temptation and spiritual hardships are inevitable
a. We can’t live in a bubble
b. Going out of the world to avoid all contact with temptation is not possible - Jn 17:15;
cf.. 1 Co 5:9,10; 1 Jn 5:18
2. Spiritually speaking, we need to build up our resistance - Ja 4:7
C. WITH A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM...
1. We will be able to take heed, lest we fall - 1 Co 10:12
2. We will be able to live circumspectly - Ep 5:15-17
3. We will be able to withstand the wiles of the devil - Ep 6:10,11
[Contributing to a strong immune system is...]
II. REGULAR EXERCISE
A. WE THRIVE ONLY WHEN ACTIVE...
1. This is true spiritually as well as physically
2. There is the danger of becoming spiritually “sluggish” - cf. He 6:11,12
B. THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY...
Topical Sermons 276