1) The nature of the church that Jesus built.2) Why so many different kind of churches today?3) Identifying the church that Jesus built.4)Dangers facing the church: The danger of Legalism.Legalism.5)Dangers facing the church: The danger of Liberalism.Liberalism.6)Dangers facing the church: The danger of Emotionalism.Emotionalism.7)Dangers facing the church: The Danger of MaterialismMaterialism

• Legalism ?• Liberalism• False

Doctrine • Emotionalis

m• Materialism • WorldlinesWorldlines

ss• Apathy

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in

the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For

all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the

world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does

the will of God abides forever.

• Not a reference to proper appreciation for Not a reference to proper appreciation for God's glorious natural creation, God's glorious natural creation, (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25).

• But - to ones affection toward, & participation But - to ones affection toward, & participation in sinful practices common to ungodly in sinful practices common to ungodly people.people. Jesus said the world loves its own Jesus said the world loves its own

(John 15:19); (John 15:19); Paul said, "Be not conformed to this Paul said, "Be not conformed to this

world" (Romans 12:2); world" (Romans 12:2); John declared that, "The whole world lieth John declared that, "The whole world lieth

in the evil one" (1 John 5:19).in the evil one" (1 John 5:19).

• Lust of the Flesh – Mat 4:3,4 Lust of the Flesh – Mat 4:3,4 • All temptations which have their

roots in appetites and needs of the body.

• Sensuality - If it feels good do it!

• Lust of the Eyes –Lust of the Eyes – Mat. 4:8Mat. 4:8 • Unlawful desires of the mind &

imagination – • Things obtainable or not.

• The Pride of Life –The Pride of Life – Mat. 4:6Mat. 4:6 • Self reliance, interest, &

absorption

• We may be in the world BUT the world shouldn’t be IN us!! John 17:15; Tit 2:12 -14; Rom. 12:1,2; Col. 3:1,22 Cor. 6:14-7:1James 4:4

• Indecent dancing• Immodesty• Fornication • Adultery• Pornography• Social Drinking• Cursing & Dirty Jokes• Stealing &

Dishonesty• Hatred & Envy

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Galatians 5:16-21

Ephesians 4:17-5:18

Colossians 3:5-9

2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 Peter 4:1-5

• We are bombarded with it everyday –

• More toleration, (i.e. less preaching & teaching on it; less discipline)

• More members engaging in worldliness –

• Destroys our influence & our souls!!

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

1 Thes. 5:21-22 Test all things; hold fast what is

good. [22] Abstain from every form of

evil.

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

• Keep our conscience sensitive – 2 Peter 2:6-8

2 Peter 2:6-8 . . . [7] and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by

the filthy conduct of the wicked [8] (for

that righteous man, . . .

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

• Keep our conscience sensitive – 2 Peter 2:6-8

2 Peter 2:6-8 . . . dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing

and hearing their lawless deeds)--

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

• Keep our conscience sensitive – 2 Peter 2:6-8

• Keep a safe distance from involvement – Rom. 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:17

2 Cor. 6:17Therefore Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord. Do not

touch what is unclean, And I will

receive you."

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

• Keep our conscience sensitive – 2 Peter 2:6-8

• Keep a safe distance from involvement – Rom. 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:17

• Keep your influence & soul pure!! – Phili 2:15

Philip. 2:15 that you may become

blameless and harmless, children of

God without fault in the midst of a crooked and

perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

• Limit opportunities for infection – 1 Thes. 5:22

• Keep our conscience sensitive – 2 Peter 2:6-8

• Keep a safe distance from involvement – Rom. 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:17

• Keep your influence & soul pure!! – Phili 2:15

1 Tim. 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an

example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in

spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to

the former lusts, as in your ignorance; [15] but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] because it is written, "Be holy, for I

am holy."

• Legalism ?• Liberalism• False

Doctrine • Emotionalis

m• Materialism • WorldlinessWorldliness• Apathy

What Can We Do?What Can We Do?•Be Aware:Be Aware: Search the Scriptures! (Acts Search the Scriptures! (Acts

17:11,12; 2 Peter 3:17,18)17:11,12; 2 Peter 3:17,18) Accept God’s word! (Gal. 5:19-Accept God’s word! (Gal. 5:19-

21; 6:7-9; 1 John 5:4-5 )21; 6:7-9; 1 John 5:4-5 )•Be Prepared:Be Prepared: Repent – (2 Peter 3:9)Repent – (2 Peter 3:9) Purify your souls – (1 Peter 1:22)Purify your souls – (1 Peter 1:22) Give diligence to spiritual growth Give diligence to spiritual growth

– (2 Peter 1:5-10; 2 Peter 3:14)– (2 Peter 1:5-10; 2 Peter 3:14)