Introduction:

A. You’ve heard of people talking of defining moments, etc.
B. There are also things we do regularly that define us:

1. Murderer.
2. Drunkards.
3. Worship, evangelism, example, etc.

C. What should define a Christian and whose definition should we use?

I. Does Money and Possessions Define Us?

A. Jesus asked some questions: Matthew 16:26

1. If you gain the whole world: I John 2:17
2. What about your soul: John 5:29
3. What will you trade for your soul: II Corinthians 2:11

B. Consider Solomon as an example:

1. He was a king for 40 years: I Kings 11:42
2. He “had it all”: I Kings 10:1-7; 21
3. What did it mean in the end: Ecclesiastes 2:4-11; 17-18; 5:10-11

C. Money and possessions can define us, but is it the definition you want?

1. Rich young ruler: Matthew 19:16-24
2. Rich fool: Luke 12:13-21
3. You can trust in uncertain riches: I Timothy 6:17

II. Do Earthly Pleasures Define You

A. Moses sure was defined in this regard: Hebrews 11:24-26

1. Do you have the courage to be different than the world: Romans 12:2
2. Will you come out from: Colossians 1:13; II Corinthians 6:14-18

B. Earthly pleasures are empty

1. Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
2. Proverbs 21:174. Fleshly pleasures result in something: I Corinthians 6:9-11

III. Are You Defined By What This World Calls Great / Good?

A. Solomon was known for his great wisdom: I Kings 3:16-28

1. The record says: I Kings 10:24
2. The question still begs to be asked: I Corinthians 1:20
3. With all of Solomon’s fame and wisdom, what happened: I Kings 11:1-10

B. Do we really want to be known of men by what they call good:

1. A good neighbor yes, but by who’s standards: Acts 8:4
2. Luke 6:26
3. What of Jesus, Paul, Peter, turning the world upside down, etc.

IV. Are You Defined By Your Inconsistencies?

A. Faithful, but not all the time (studying, attendance, influence, speech, etc.):

1. Imagine this in language to a spouse: Hebrews 13:4
2. Is part of the way okay with the Lord: Matthew 16:24

B. Preaching one thing and practicing another:

1. Romans 2:1
2. I Timothy 4:16

Conclusion:

A. As a Christian shouldn’t you be defined by your faithfulness to the Lord: Hebrews 11; James 2:14-26 and Matthew 7:20
B. Shouldn’t the world realize that you are not one of them: I John 2:15
C.  Philippians 2:15

BACK TO INDEX
HOME
E-Mail Brian By Clicking Here

© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.