Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Worldliness
Subject: Wordliness
Foolish or Wise?
This short article is not what you think. It is an examination of 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, and especially verse 10 where Paul writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” Looking at the context of Paul’s letter, he here is obviously using sarcasm. He is referring to the Corinthian’s self-satisfaction and arrogance. He writes in verse 8, “You have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!”
The actual state of the Corinthians was not what they thought. Their view of themselves was similar to how the Laodiceans thought of themselves in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”
When Paul called himself a fool for Christ, he was not in any way resentful of such a designation. He actually was willing to give up anything for his Lord, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).
Likewise the Corinthians wisdom was not as it appeared. They thought themselves, wise, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Become a fool for Christ!
Godliness as a Means of Gain
Paul warned against divisive errorists among the brethren in 1 Timothy 6. He described them as proud, unwilling to submit to God’s will, obsessed with matters bringing envy, strife and wranglings among brethren. He said their minds were corrupt, and they were destitute of truth, “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (6:3-5).
What is the meaning of that phrase? The Greek word (porismos) indicates a source of gain or procuring. Of course, the typical use would be a procuring of money. This certainly can be the case. Elders, preachers, every member can be seduced by filthy lucre and the ease it brings. Using your relationship with other Christians to gain any economic advantage is a real indication of greed.
But, any benefit procured fits into the context. Fame, position, power. Even if it is being “a big fish in a small pond” the allurement of the flesh is a danger to us all.
Such is the product of a selfish mind. One that is willing to wrangle, gossip, divide and promote error — as the intent is personal gain. Many of the divisions in God’s kingdom come from such efforts.
We are to “withdraw” ourselves from such evil men, and know “godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). True gain is spiritual, not material! It comes from a heart that seeks Christ, and unity with brethren. Such men don’t use Christ for personal physical advantage, but to be saved!
But That Doesn’t Mean…!
In 1 Peter 4:3, Peter wrote, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.” As we consider this command, we have a tendency to try and figure out what is not included in this description. In other words, I am not supposed to do some things that the world engages in, but that doesn’t mean I can’t…, and then we give reasons why our particular desire can be enjoyed.
People will excuse all sorts of vices, simply because they think that Peter surely didn’t mean to include our particular predilection in his words.
Rather, I think it is important for us to look at it from the other direction. If I am not to live as the world lives, what all does that entail? It is possible that I am imbibing in worldly activities, enjoying worldly proclivities, acting in worldly ways. I need to examine myself and my life because it is really important I not do such things. I don’t want to be in the same boat as them (the Gentiles). “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (5).
Our purpose is not to try to see what we can do in life, without going too far. It is to recognize how antithetical to God the world has become, and to draw near to Him!
Some Just Don’t Like Thinking About God
In Romans 1 the apostle Paul wrote about a society (the Romans) who didn’t like to think about God. They “suppressed the truth” (18), “they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful” (21), they “changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man” (23), they “exchanged the truth of God for the lie” (25). Paul summarized their attitude by writing, “they did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (28). He made it clear to his readers that because they acted this way, God “gave them over” to the debasement they preferred (28).
This has happened many times throughout history. It happened in Israel. Hosea recorded God as saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (4:6). I dare say that this is a large cultural problem in our day as well. Continue reading “Some Just Don’t Like Thinking About God”
Sermon: Reject the World
A discussion of carnality from Colossians 3, contrasted with the man of God.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:15-17
A Christian is not to have affection for anything characterized as worldly. It constitutes a conflict of interest. Worldliness and a love for God are antithetical. Hence John’s statement, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (15).
The threefold manner in which the Devil entices is through the lust of the flesh (an illicit desire to satisfy physical appetites), the lust of the eye (an illicit desire that reacts to beauty, sensuality, or anything that is alluring to the sight or imagination), and pride (of position, money, influence, race, etc. Whatever pertains to self-glorification).
The question that must be answered is are you interested in the passing pleasures of sin? Or the greater joy of eternity? It seems a simple question to answer, but too many get it wrong. What this life has to offer, no matter how enticing, is but for a moment and then passes away. However, this life should be understood by every child of God as a life lived in preparation for eternity!
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 3:3
After Paul’s admonition to “obey”, he noted his own previous “foolish” state as a sinner. It is interesting to note his description, starting with the word “foolish” – unintelligent or unwise.
His foolishness led to disobedience – he had not complied to the will of God. He was contumacious – stubborn willful against authority. He was deceived – led away from the truth. He served his own desires and pleasures. In effect, he did what pleased himself, not what pleased God. He lived in malice – malignity, ill-will, a desire to injure; and envy – ill will, jealousy, spite. He was hateful – detestable or odious; and was actively involved in hating others.
Verses 4-7 indicate a change. This is conversion. But, prior to it Paul was like everyone else. By not serving God he was serving himself. He caused injury to the cause of Christ. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Paul was honest in assessing himself, this led him to call others to righteousness!
Sermon: The Christian
A two part lesson on the Christian, and his responsibility toward God considering our culture, country, and politics.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: The Progression of Sin (Romans 1)
A Discussion of Romans 1 showing how sin grows worse and worse, and the end of those who refuse to repent
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Are You an Enemy of God?
I don’t think anyone would admit that he is God’s enemy. We each want to consider ourselves “friend[s] of God”, like Abraham (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). Or one after God’s “own heart”, like David (1 Samuel 13:14). However, it can be safely said that most make themselves enemies of God because they embrace the world rather than righteousness.
“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Continue reading “Are You an Enemy of God?”
Trained by Grace
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:11-13).
The grace of God has implications far beyond our redemption as the elect of God. It also indicates an ought. In effect, the grace of God teaches or trains us to know how we ought to act and focus our thoughts in response to its effectiveness in saving our souls
We owe a debt we simply can’t pay, “salvation.” But, we are to indicate clearly our thankfulness for the gift of redemption, (cf. Luke 17:11-19). The haunting words of Jesus, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine” (17).
Our show of appreciation for the gift of grace must be seen in our life’s response. We have spent enough time living in sin (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and in response to God’s grace must live soberly, righteously and godly. This not only involves doing righteousness, but primarily denying ungodliness and the illicit desires that characterize the worldly. Our motivation? An eternal reward in heaven, given at His second coming. Anything less is ungratefulness on our part!
Put to Death Your Members Which Are on the Earth
In Colossians 3:5, the apostle Paul told the Christians there to “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” The reason for this admonition? “Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience…” (vs. 6).
The phrase “members which are on the earth” is an interesting one. These things “members” are aspects of a person that precludes him from serving God acceptably. Specifically, while these things could be considered sinful themselves, they are also the attitudes and characteristics that lead a person to sinful actions. These “members” are characteristic of a lustful, lascivious, hateful and greedy person. So, Christians should “put them to death.” Continue reading “Put to Death Your Members Which Are on the Earth”
Sermon: Are You Carnal?
The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. You should have a spiritual mindset. Are you instead carnally minded? How do you fix this?
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Not All Change is Progress
What is true progressivism and conservativism, as it relates to morality, spirituality, and religion
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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