Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

a. His commandments, His promises, all are designed to impart joy - Jn 15:11
b. A joy that can abound in any circumstance - e.g., Ph 2:17-18; 4:4; 1 Pe 1:6
-- The joy Jesus offers is “inexpressible” - 1 Pe 1:8
-- By offering such peace, love, and joy, perhaps we can appreciate why Jesus said
He offers an “abundant” life - cf. Jn 10:10
Mark A. Copeland
[To communicate this response to a materialistic society, Jesus calls upon His church. While it certainly
entails proclaiming the gospel, let me suggest some additional thoughts about...]
II. OUR RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM
A. EXEMPLIFY JESUS’ RESPONSE AS INDIVIDUALS...
1. As individuals we must possess the peace, love, and joy Jesus offers
a. Which comes through heeding His words - Jn 15:10-11
b. Which comes through spending time in prayer - Ph 4:6-7
-- If we fail to spend the time necessary in such activities, how convincing can we be
that we have a more “abundant” life to offer?
2. As individuals we must not depend on material things for true happiness
a. If poor, learn the secret of contentment - cf. 1 Ti 6:6-8; Ph 4:11-13
b. If rich, trust not in riches but be quick to help those in need - cf. 1 Ti 6:17-19
-- Being content and willing to share goes a long way toward demonstrating that
Jesus’ response to materialism really means something!
B. EXEMPLIFY JESUS’ RESPONSE AS A CONGREGATION...
1. The value of a congregational demonstration cannot be taken lightly
a. Jesus stressed the value of brotherly love and unity - Jn 13:35; 17:20-21
b. His church illustrated the value of congregational love and joy - cf. Ac 2:46-47;
6:7 (in light of 6:1-6)
2. We should make sure that our fellowship and worship demonstrates...
a. The love we have found in Christ (e.g., by the way we greet one another)
b. The joy of being Christians (e.g., by the way we praise God)
c. The peace Jesus made possible (e.g., by the way we work together)
3. We should be careful as a congregation not to fall into a materialistic trap
a. By placing too much concern over such things as:
1) The physical facilities in which we meet
2) The physical appearances of the members or visitors
b. Not that is wrong to have comfortable facilities or to look nice
1) But that should not be our primary concern
2) But not to the neglect of truly important matters (like saving souls)!
c. Otherwise we could be guilty of being like the Laodiceans - Re 3:17
1) Who thought they were “rich, wealthy, and have need of nothing”
2) Who were unaware they were “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”
CONCLUSION
1. The rampant materialism in our society provides us with an opportunity...
a. For materialism leaves one in a state of spiritual malnutrition
b. Therefore often ripe for the true feast Jesus has to offer
Topical Sermons 306