It is said that the Greeks had a philosophy centered in “Me,” Hebrew thinking centered in God. For the Greeks it was, “Thus it seems to me,” while Hebrew thinking was, “Thus says the Lord.”
This morning we want to do this kind of thinking.
“What Says the WORLD” versus “What Says the WORD.”
For some of it, other terms may seem to fit better, such as:
“Be Miserable” or “Be MOTIVATED.”
“Our Thoughts” versus “God’s Thoughts.”
“Our way” versus “God’s Way.”
The “Law of the Jungle” versus “Laws of the Kingdom.”
So many ways to compare.
I’ll state the instinct side, the thinking of the WORLD, the “ME” culture that is all around us, and Brother Gerald will counter with counsel from the WORD.
So it becomes: What says the WORLD,
Versus What says the WORD.
What says the WORLD?
Think about whatever you don’t like in your life. Then maybe you can find someone to blame for it. Get revenge, and you’ll feel better.
What says the WORD?
Romans 12:17 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 15See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
What says the WORLD?
Worry about something all the time. Don’t let yourself get out of practice.
What says the WORD?
Matthew 6:31–34 31“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
What says the WORLD?
Don’t take what you are doing so seriously. Nobody’s perfect.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Jesus say,
Matthew 5:48 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
What says the WORLD?
“Deuteronomy emphasizes strict obedience in the life of faith, it also spotlights our inability to obey God as carefully as he requires.”
What says the WORD?
Then why did God give us His law?
Deuteronomy 6:25 25And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
Deuteronomy 12:32 32“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.
What says the WORLD?
If you want to witness to people, don’t dress and act too different. It will make them refuse your witness.
What says the WORD?
Then what do we do with Paul’s command,
Romans 12:2 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
What says the WORLD?
Jesus forgave all my sins when I was converted.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Peter say at Pentecost,
Acts 3:19 19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
What says the WORLD?
Count your many troubles, name them one by one. Then people might feel sorry for you.
What says the WORD?
Why did Paul say,
Philippians 2:14 14Do all things without complaining and disputing,
What says the WORLD?
“Hardening of your arteries may take you to the grave, but hardening your heart will take you to hell.”
What says the WORD?
Actually the grave and hell are the same place!
Proverbs 29:1 1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Destroyed does not describe the common idea of hell.
Matthew 7:13 13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Destruction is not hellfire.
What says the WORLD?
Make it your business to find out what the Jones are buying, then you can do one better.
What says the WORD?
Paul says comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 12For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
He also says to do whatever makes for peace and edifies:
Romans 14:19 19Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
What says the WORLD?
When I was saved the Holy Spirit came into my heart. He tells me what I need to know, so I cannot believe anything wrong. When I read the Bible, I instantly know what it means.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Paul say,
2 Timothy 2:15 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What says the WORLD?
Don’t let anything take down your self-esteem. You should forget your sins, God wants you to feel good about yourself.
What says the WORD?
God says we should sorrow to repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:10 10For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Corinthians 7:11 11For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
What says the WORLD?
Devise clever but decent ways to serve God AND mammon. After all, a man’s gotta live!
What says the WORD?
Take it from Jesus:
Matthew 6:24 24“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God AND mammon.
Or take it from Paul:
1 Corinthians 10:21 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord AND the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table AND of the table of demons.
What says the WORLD?
Buy what you want, even if you have to get a loan to pay for it. You deserve it!
What says the WORD?
Paul says,
Romans 13:8 8Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
What says the WORLD?
When you have leisure time, fill it up with things you like to do. Take it easy!
What says the WORD?
Hebrews calls that “drifting.”
Hebrews 2:1 1Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
What says the WORLD?
Jesus died to take away our sins.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Peter say,
1 Peter 2:21 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
Does this mean we have to be crucified as Christ was? No. Read the next verse:
1 Peter 2:22–23 22“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
What says the WORLD?
I’m so glad I’m saved.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Jesus say,
Matthew 24:13 13But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
What says the WORLD?
Make sure you get your rights. Never mind other people’s.
What says the WORD?
Then why did Paul say,
Philippians 2:4 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
What says the WORLD?
Don’t let your spiritual life get in the way of what’s really relevant—the current news reports, politics, the things that are happening. Get involved!
What says the WORD?
This isn’t what Paul advised. He said,
2 Timothy 2:4 4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
And again,
2 Corinthians 6:17–18 17Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
What says the WORLD?
Stay away from absolutes. Its whatever is right for YOU that matters.
What says the WORD?
Then why do we read,
Psalm 117:2 2For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!
What says the WORLD?
Look out for #1 – if you don’t, who will? You only have one life to live.
What says the WORD?
Listen to Jesus:
Matthew 6:33 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
And again,
Luke 9:24 24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
What says the WORLD?
Be yourself. Don’t get hung up on what other people expect of you.
What says the WORD?
What about our example to others? Paul said to Timothy,
1 Timothy 4:12 12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
What says the WORLD?
You have a right to blow up when things go awry.
What says the WORD?
The Bible command is absolute:
Ephesians 4:31 31Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And, Psalm 37:8 8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.
I’m sure you have thoughts you wish we would include. We could go on and on. But the most important thing is to see the contrast, and keep the WORD in mind.
It is the only way to LIFE!