Preached by Jay Shelbrack, 10/29/2006
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Polluted by the World - Outline

James 1:27
- It is a battle to keep from being polluted by the world.
- Pure and polluted are contrasting.
- Don’t compare yourself to the world. Compare yourself to Jesus.

What does it mean to be polluted?
1 John 2:15-17
- Do not love the world.
- You’re either living by God’s will (v. 17) or you love the world.

Check yourself by asking questions:
- Do you love power? Do you love shopping? Do you love money? Do you crave certain things? Do you love to lust? This can get you off your purpose.

Philippians 3:19
- Is your god your stomach, or other earthly things?
- Is advertising telling you what you need?
- Living in the United States, just assume you are polluted yet fight the battle.

Matthew 13:14-15
- Ever hearing but never understanding
- Are you oblivious to needs around you?

Matthew 13:22
- Deceitfulness of wealth

Amos 6:1-6
- We are wealthy. But don’t be complacent.
- When was the last time you grieved?

What do you do about this?
- The answer is all about relationships.
James 4:1-10
- Are you thinking about yourself or God?
- Friendship with the world is hatred toward God. It’s adultery.
- God will be against you if you are worldly and prideful.
- The answer: submit to God (lordship). Purify your hearts.

Matthew 6:19-24
- It’s a command: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…
- Where your treasure is, there your heart is.
- You cannot serve both God and money.
- You can often tell where a person is at spiritually by their eyes (v. 22).
- It’s a matter of priorities. Where are your priorities?
- The answer: Seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34)

Luke 18:18-30
To inherit eternal life,
- follow commandments,
- sell everything, give to poor,
- follow Jesus,
- leave everything to follow Jesus.

It is a daily battle to stay pure. You must fight to stay pure.
Luke 9:23-25
- Must deny self. Not optional
- You can’t truly follow Jesus and not change.
- Are worldly things or people tugging on your heart? Cut the strings that Satan is trying to pull on your heart.
- Church is not merely a social group. It is a relationship with God. God is your great reward.

Challenge: Ask two people how they see worldliness in your life. Then change (repent). Don’t be polluted.

Categories: Sermons