September 13, 2020 “How Rejoicing in the Lord Keeps Us Safe From Religion and Self-Righteousness”. By Pastor Kevin Dibbley

This Sunday, our message is called “How Rejoicing in the Lord Keeps Us Safe From Religion and Self-Righteousness”. One of the great dangers in our lives as Christians is that we can be tempted into thinking that following Christ is simply following rules. We can be tempted to think that there are certain religious activities that mark us out as mature. We feel better about where we are spiritually when we can check off the list of “Christian” activities as being accomplished in our lives. We start thinking that we are doing okay with God because we don’t have the same struggles that others do. This can lead to deadly sins like religious pride and it can bring toxicity into a church body when people possess a critical spirit and bring a false division between Christians.

 

When we struggle more with the faults of other believers than with our own, we can be like the Pharisee in Luke 18 who says “I thank you that I am not like other men…”. We put more emphasis on their sins instead of our own. Being a disciple of Christ is not about checking off lists and comparing ourselves with others. Being a Christian is all about following Christ, trusting Christ, looking to Christ, and seeking Christ. Discipleship is making Christ the desire and delight of your life. Let’s pray for a mighty work of God as we begin to study the third chapter of Philippians this Sunday. Looking forward to worshipping with you all!

 

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