Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
C. RESTRAIN PERSONAL LIBERTIES...
1. Much division results from brethren pressing what they perceive to be freedom in Christ
a. Imposing such freedom on those who conscience would be violated
b. Forcing brethren to either leave or sin against their conscience
2. Paul taught brethren to restrain their liberties for the sake of their brethren
a. In writing to the saints in Rome - Ro 14:14-15,21; 15:1-3
b. In writing to the church at Corinth - 1 Co 8:9-13; 10:24,31-33
3. When Christ-like attitudes are joined together with a willingness to restrain liberty...
a. Christians are more likely to remain united in their actions together
b. Christians are more likely to one day be united in their thinking as well!
D. FOCUS YOUR EFFORTS...
1. First, on yourself!
a. Resolve to be simply a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ
b. Put away any belief or practice based on traditions of men, not the Word of God
c. Develop the virtues that contributes to unity among Christians
1) Those Christ-like attitudes mention earlier
2) A willingness to restrain personal liberties for the sake of your brother
2. Next, on your local congregation!
a. That it not be one contributing to religious division (i.e., a denomination)
b. That it accepts the Word of God for its final authority
c. That it puts away all names, practices, traditions, not taught by the Scriptures
d. That it is concerned with the unity of believers
3. Then, on others in your community!
a. Individuals who desire to be true disciples of Jesus
b. Congregations willing to take Jesus’ prayer and Paul’s condemnation seriously
CONCLUSION
1. You may feel there is little one can do with the problem of division...
a. Denominationalism is so rampant
b. Religious division has been around so long
2. Yet two thoughts come to mind that encourage me to try...
a. I can at least save myself and those who hear me - cf. 1 Ti 4:16
b. Great things can have a small beginning - cf. Mt 13:31-33
If unity among believers was so important to Jesus, how can we not make the effort to maintain the unity
He made possible by His death on the cross? - cf. Ep 2:13-16
Topical Sermons 289