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Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Introduction:
Paul wrote by inspiration to Titus: (Titus
1:16) "They profess that they know
God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and
unto every good work reprobate." It is sad how many Christians
profess to be godly people, but their actions show otherwise. The old saying
that actions speak louder than words is surely true!
I. The Bible teaches that actions speak louder than words
A. By loving each other Christians SHOW who they are
John 13:34-35 "34.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have
loved you, that ye also love one another. 35. By this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
1. Not in words but doing good things to brethren I
John 3:17-18 "17. But whoso hath this
world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels
of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18. My little
children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in
truth."
a. Faith without works is dead James
2:15-26
2. We need to be showing by works James
3:13 "Who is a wise man and endued
with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works
with meekness of wisdom."
B. Lip service does not please God Mark
7:6-7 "6. He answered and said unto
them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written,
This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men."
C. Faith is shown through actions Hebrews
chapter 11
II. The old "do as I say, not as I do" routine
A. Christ wanted followers Matthew
4:19 "And he saith unto them, Follow
me, and I will make you fishers of men."
1. Christ still wants followers who will follow they
way they should Matthew 10:32-39
2. Christ is our example I Peter
2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow his steps."
B. Paul wanted Christians to follow his example I
Corinthians 4:16 "Wherefore I beseech
you, be ye followers of me."
1. As he was a follower of Christ I
Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of
me, even as I also am of Christ."
C. The church should be like the Thessalonians, they followed
the apostles, then they too were examples for others I
Thessalonians 1:5-10
III. Show by doing
A. Some Christians say God is first, but not on Sunday
night or Wednesday night Hebrews 10:22-26
"22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full
assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water. 23. Let us hold fast the profession
of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching. 26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received
the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."
B. The Kingdom should come first Matthew
6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom
of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you."
1. Colossians 3:1
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
C. We know the erring by their fruits Matthew
7:15-20 "15. Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles? 17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire. 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Conclusion:
Christ's great question: Luke
6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,
and do not the things which I say?"
Copyright 2001 by Brian
Yeager may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.
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