Unstained by the World

Introduction:
It is not enough just to think that you are religious. Religion in the New Testament is not just a matter of what one thinks and claims—it is a matter of individual response of the heart to God. The Scriptures are full of examples commanding Christians to draw the line of worldliness. (Rom. 12:1-2; 9—become spiritually minded) Yet many Christians are enticed and enthralled by worldly desires. This can seep into all areas of our life—and take away from true happiness. (marriage; children; influence; etc) We must transform our mind from the carnal to the spiritual! (Rom. 8:6-8) Let’s look at some important facts about worldliness & the need not to stain our spiritual garments.

I. This is an __________________ responsibility.
    A. Js. 1:19-27—are instructions to the individual! See 1:19, 21, 22, 26, 27.
        1. These responsibilities are our __________ as Christians!
        2. It’s based on our commitment to God & our _______________ to the word!
    B. Some can help us battle worldliness. Family; friends; local congregation; etc.
    C. On a daily basis, however, if it is to be it is up to me!
        1. I must watch what I _____.
        2. I must watch who I _____________ _______.
        3. I must watch what I _______; what I _____; how I deal with people; and approach temptation.
        4. God’s word must be used as a guide.
    D. A person cannot really be a Christian until he accepts this individual responsibility.

II. What it means to be ___________________.
    A. This is further defined in the book of James. See 1:21; 4:7-8
        1. These verses are all about personal ______________ & determination to avoid _______ sin & error.
    B. Some specifics are mentioned in Gal. 5:19-21.
        1. Adultery = ___________ sexual relations w/a married person.
        2. Fornication = illicit sexual intercourse.
        3. Impurity = _____________; luxurious; profligate living.
        4. Sensuality = ___________________ in unclean indulgences.
        5. Idolatry = ___________ of false gods.
        6. Sorcery = enchantments; magic; sorcery; ________________.
        7. Enmities = ___________
        8. Strife = _____________ or wrangling.
        9. Jealousy = envious & contentious ______________.
        10. Outbursts of anger = _____________; angry heat.
        11. Disputes = a ___________ and factious spirit.
        12. Dissensions = division.
        13. Factions = dissensions arising from ________ of opinion & aims.
        14. Envying
        15. Drunkenness = intoxication
        16. Carousing = usually a consequence of _______________.
        17. And things such like these = all that proceeds from evil passions besides these specified and all that the
             law of God specifies & condemns.

III. There is no _____________ __________!
    A. It is not possible to love the world & God at the same time!
    B. Mt. 6:24; 33; 22:37
    C. 1 Jhn. 2:15-17—anything that is not of __________ will not last!

IV. We must practice _____________ & ______________ religion!
A. We must identify religion _________ w/God! Must remove anything that would hurt relationship w/God.
B. If we fail to keep self unstained from the world- God is not pleased!



Unstained by the World Introduction: It is not enough just to think that you are religious. Religion in the New Testament is not just a matter of what one thinks and claims—it is a matter of individual response of the heart to God. The Scriptures are full of examples commanding Christians to draw the line of worldliness. (Rom. 12:1-2; 9—become spiritually minded) Yet many Christians are enticed and enthralled by worldly desires. This can seep into all areas of our life—and take away from true happiness. (marriage; children; influence; etc) We must transform our mind from the carnal to the spiritual! (Rom. 8:6-8) Let’s look at some important facts about worldliness & the need not to stain our spiritual garments. I. This is an __________________ responsibility. A. Js. 1:19-27—are instructions to the individual! See 1:19, 21, 22, 26, 27. 1. These responsibilities are our __________ as Christians! 2. It’s based on our commitment to God & our _______________ to the word! B. Some can help us battle worldliness. Family; friends; local congregation; etc. C. On a daily basis, however, if it is to be it is up to me! 1. I must watch what I _____. 2. I must watch who I _____________ _______. 3. I must watch what I _______; what I _____; how I deal with people; and approach temptation. 4. God’s word must be used as a guide. D. A person cannot really be a Christian until he accepts this individual responsibility. II. What it means to be ___________________. A. This is further defined in the book of James. See 1:21; 4:7-8 1. These verses are all about personal ______________ & determination to avoid _______ sin & error. B. Some specifics are mentioned in Gal. 5:19-21. 1. Adultery = ___________ sexual relations w/a married person. 2. Fornication = illicit sexual intercourse. 3. Impurity = _____________; luxurious; profligate living. 4. Sensuality = ___________________ in unclean indulgences. 5. Idolatry = ___________ of false gods. 6. Sorcery = enchantments; magic; sorcery; ________________. 7. Enmities = ___________ 8. Strife = _____________ or wrangling. 9. Jealousy = envious & contentious ______________. 10. Outbursts of anger = _____________; angry heat. 11. Disputes = a ___________ and factious spirit. 12. Dissensions = division. 13. Factions = dissensions arising from ________ of opinion & aims. 14. Envying 15. Drunkenness = intoxication 16. Carousing = usually a consequence of _______________. 17. And things such like these = all that proceeds from evil passions besides these specified and all that the law of God specifies & condemns. III. There is no _____________ __________! A. It is not possible to love the world & God at the same time! B. Mt. 6:24; 33; 22:37 C. 1 Jhn. 2:15-17—anything that is not of __________ will not last! IV. We must practice _____________ & ______________ religion! A. We must identify religion _________ w/God! Must remove anything that would hurt relationship w/God. B. If we fail to keep self unstained from the world- God is not pleased!