Recommending Our Religion

Introduction
The text of this morning’s lesson is found in 2 Cor. 3:1-6. Paul commends them for their faithfulness as Christians and their giving of themselves over to the teachings of the Spirit. Could the same compliment be paid to you by God today? Do those around you see and understand that you are a Christian? Can they readily see the changes that you have made in your life? Want to talk about recommending our religion today. The one who makes a commitment to do this and concentrates therein will grow spiritually. Congregations that recommend their religion will grow numerically. How are we doing?

I. We recommend our religion by apply the Scriptures to our life.
   A. Having Bible knowledge essential to the faithful Christian.
        1. Acts 17:11-12 Observe the Bereans:
            a) they were willing to hear the truth. Some not even willing to do this.
            b) they examined the things taught to see if they were so.
        2. 1 Thess. 5:21 – hold EVERY religious practice up to light of the truth!
    B. 2 Tim. 2:15 – not just the preachers job – be diligent to show yourself approved.
   C. Consider also 2 Pet. 1:5-9; 3:18 – are you spiritually blind by a lack of knowledge?

II. We recommend our religion by our manner of life.
   A. Mt. 5:16 – Christians have been called the light of the world.
   B. Titus 2:11-13 – How much of a commitment do you have to live righteously?
    C. Rom. 2:21-24 – need not to be hypocritical in our actions/attitude.
    D. Js. 1:22-27 – implies our need to apply godly principles in our actions.

III. We recommend our religion by our support.
   A. Support by attendance – Heb. 10:24-26
        1. YOU have a responsibility to edify your brethren – by attendance!
        2. What does willful neglect of attendance indicate about your spiritual life?
    B. Support financially – 2 Cor. 9:6-7
    C. Support the Lord’s work by getting involved! 1 Cor. 15:58
        1. Myriad of projects/things needing volunteers around here!
        2. Your work is NOT in vain!

IV. We recommend our religion by telling others what Jesus has done for you.
   A. Where would you be w/o Jesus Christ? - Phil. 4:4
        1. We have much to rejoice about!
        2. Acts 8:39; Phil. 4:6-7
    B. Phil. 4:11-13 – living our lives contently & w/a confident expectation of the next life.

V. We recommend our religion by being ready to give an answer.
   A. 1 Pet. 3:15-17 – in study...for questions….in our actions…
    B. Col. 4:6 – must do so in a humble/tactful manner!
    C. Rom. 1:16 – must have a desire to share the gospel of Jesus w/others!

2 Cor. 3:1-6 – notice the example of the Corinthians!
Are you recommending or degrading your religion?



Recommending Our Religion Introduction The text of this morning’s lesson is found in 2 Cor. 3:1-6. Paul commends them for their faithfulness as Christians and their giving of themselves over to the teachings of the Spirit. Could the same compliment be paid to you by God today? Do those around you see and understand that you are a Christian? Can they readily see the changes that you have made in your life? Want to talk about recommending our religion today. The one who makes a commitment to do this and concentrates therein will grow spiritually. Congregations that recommend their religion will grow numerically. How are we doing? I. We recommend our religion by apply the Scriptures to our life. A. Having Bible knowledge essential to the faithful Christian. 1. Acts 17:11-12 Observe the Bereans: a) they were willing to hear the truth. Some not even willing to do this. b) they examined the things taught to see if they were so. 2. 1 Thess. 5:21 – hold EVERY religious practice up to light of the truth! B. 2 Tim. 2:15 – not just the preachers job – be diligent to show yourself approved. C. Consider also 2 Pet. 1:5-9; 3:18 – are you spiritually blind by a lack of knowledge? II. We recommend our religion by our manner of life. A. Mt. 5:16 – Christians have been called the light of the world. B. Titus 2:11-13 – How much of a commitment do you have to live righteously? C. Rom. 2:21-24 – need not to be hypocritical in our actions/attitude. D. Js. 1:22-27 – implies our need to apply godly principles in our actions. III. We recommend our religion by our support. A. Support by attendance – Heb. 10:24-26 1. YOU have a responsibility to edify your brethren – by attendance! 2. What does willful neglect of attendance indicate about your spiritual life? B. Support financially – 2 Cor. 9:6-7 C. Support the Lord’s work by getting involved! 1 Cor. 15:58 1. Myriad of projects/things needing volunteers around here! 2. Your work is NOT in vain! IV. We recommend our religion by telling others what Jesus has done for you. A. Where would you be w/o Jesus Christ? - Phil. 4:4 1. We have much to rejoice about! 2. Acts 8:39; Phil. 4:6-7 B. Phil. 4:11-13 – living our lives contently & w/a confident expectation of the next life. V. We recommend our religion by being ready to give an answer. A. 1 Pet. 3:15-17 – in study...for questions….in our actions… B. Col. 4:6 – must do so in a humble/tactful manner! C. Rom. 1:16 – must have a desire to share the gospel of Jesus w/others! 2 Cor. 3:1-6 – notice the example of the Corinthians! Are you recommending or degrading your religion?