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2 Tim.3:1-5– “1 But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away.”
We need to get back to the Bible There we will find “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”– 2 Pet.1:3 The acceptable life is one lived by faith – 2 Cor.5:7 Paul lived a life of faith – Gal.2:20 All must conform to Jesus’ example Rom.8:29; 1 Pet.2:21-23 Faith comes by hearing the word – Rom.10:17 We can’t please God otherwise – Heb.11:6
BACK Let’s go to the BIBLE For The Acceptable Life
Morality Alone Is Not Enough The Case of Cornelius shows it A man of the highest moral character Acts 10:2,22 Even so, he was lost – Acts 11:14 Peter would show him the way to salvation Acts 10:22; 11:14 Peter & Cornelius understood need to obey Acts 10:33,48; cf.Lk.6:46 God promises salvation to the obedient Heb.5:8,9
Requirements of the Acceptable Life Sacrifice Self – Lk.9:23 Family / Friends – Lk.14:26 Possessions – Lk.14:33 We must carry our own cross – Lk.9:23 Follow Jesus He set the example for us to follow – 1 Pet.2:21-23 “…do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” – Col.3:17
Requirements of the Acceptable Life We are to abstain from sin Fleshly lusts war against the soul – 1 Pet.2:11 Those who don’t abstain can’t be saved Gal.5:19-21 Sinful practices aren’t to be named among us Eph.5:3-5 We are to crucify the flesh – Gal.5:24 Lust is behind every sin we commit – Jas.1:14,15 It begins in the heart – Matt.15:18,19
Requirements of the Acceptable Life We are to live soberly, righteously, godly Titus 2:12 To live soberly is to live with self-restraint To live righteously is to live by God’s standard To live godly is to live with piety and reverence We are to reflect Christ in our lives Paul did – Gal.2:20 Hold forth the word of life – Phil.2:15,16 Have an honest manner of life – 1 Pet.2:12
Requirements of the Acceptable Life We must have love for our fellow man Work that which is good to all men – Gal.6:10 Be at peace with all men – Rom.12:18 We are to seek the kingdom first Matt.6:33 Demands serving with reverence and godly fear Heb.12:28,29
Rewards of the Acceptable Life 1 Tim.4:8– “for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.” The crown of life 2 Tim.4:8; Rev.2:10 An inheritance incorruptible 1 Pet.1:3-9
BACK Let’s go to the BIBLE For The Acceptable Life