Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
B. TWO THINGS ARE NECESSARY IN GUARDING AGAINST ERROR...
1. We must not turn away from sound doctrine - 2 Ti 4:3-4
a. Sound doctrine involves preaching the word, which includes both negative (“rebuke”)
and positive (“exhort”) elements - 2 Ti 4:1-2
b. We must beware of “pop” preaching which simply entertains rather than instructs
2. We must not support those who teach contrary to the doctrine of Christ - 2 Jn 9-11
[When a church stands strong against persecution and false doctrine, that is certainly a good sign; but
that does not mean Satan cannot yet kill it. Many “sound” churches have been destroyed by one of two
more tools used by Satan. The first of these is...]
III. WORLDLINESS
A. WORLDLINESS INCLUDES IMMORALITY AND MATERIALISM...
1. Immorality is the lust of the flesh
2. Materialism involves the lust of the eyes
-- Both are included in “the love of the world”- 1 Jn 2:15-17
B. SATAN USES WORLDLINESS TO DESTROY CHURCHES...
1. E.g., the church at Thyatira was threatened by the influence of Jezebel - Re 2:20-23
2. Immorality has made havoc of many churches today
3. Materialism has drawn many Christians away from their service to the Lord
-- Churches are hindered when members are rendered fruitless by worldliness - cf. Lk 8:14
C. TO WARD OFF WORLDLINESS...
1. We must have “the love of the Father” - 1 Jn 2:15-17; cf. Ja 4:4
2. We must not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds
- Ro 12:1-2
3. We must “watch and pray” - cf. Lk 21:34-36
[A church that is “sound” on certain issues can still be a dead or dying church if worldliness is allowed
to infect its members. A similar spiritual malady that Satan can use to destroy churches is...]
IV. INDIFFERENCE
A. A SUBTLE, YET EFFECTIVE WEAPON USED BY SATAN...
1. It jeopardized the standing of the church at Ephesus, who had left their “first love” - Re 2:4
2. It characterized the church at Laodicea, making it almost repulsive to Christ - Re 3:15-17
-- We do not have to oppose the church to kill it, just be slothful and indifferent! - cf. Pro
18:9; Mt 12:30
B. SYMPTOMS OF INDIFFERENCE...
1. Irregular attendance of services
2. Lack of participation in the services (worship, Bible classes)
3. Consistently arriving late to services
4. Waning efforts to win souls to Christ
5. No personal and private devotions (Bible study and prayers)
Topical Sermons 369