The Sacrifice Of Not Being A Christian - Sermon by Stephen Kennedy

The Sacrifice of not Being a Christian

1 Cor. 3:22-23

Today we live in a society that rejects Christian living and Christian morals. We have labelled such lifestyle as “Old fashion”, “Old school”, “Grandma Theology”, or may favourite “Living in the dark ages”. Some people will tell you there is more fun not being a Christian than being a Christian. They may say, “You people are dull and boring, no fun!” So what have we done in our churches today? We will make services fun and enjoyable. Play some rock music, preacher will dress down, offering games, and don’t pressure the people to do what they don’t want to do. But, the reality of it all, there is more of a sacrifice in not being a Christian than being a Christian.

I)                   It Will Cost the Sacrifice of Peace of Conscience. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

A)    Peace is a gift. Psalms 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

B)    Peace is a guide. Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

C)    Peace is gentle. Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

D)    Peace is given. Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

II)                It will cost the Sacrifice of a sense of security. Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

A)    Security in time of need. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

B)    Security in time of sickness. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

C)    Security in time of rest. Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

III)             It will cost the Sacrifice of joy. John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

A)    Joy in Salvation. Psalms 51:12-13 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

B)    Joy in the Sheaves. Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

C)    Joy in the Sheep. Luke 15:6-7 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

D)    Joy of the Sower.  John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

E)     Joy of the Saints.  Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

F)     Joy in His Suffering.  Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

IV)             It will cost the sacrifice of God’s favour. Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

A)    Favour of the Lord in Life. Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

B)    Favour of the Lord as Christ. Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

C)    Favour of the Lord in Truth. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

D)    Favour the Lord in Duty. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 

V)                It will cost the sacrifice of Eternal life.

A)    Christ is the only name given. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

B)    Christ is the only way provided. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

C)    Christ is the only door opened. John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

D)    Christ is the only mediator offered. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

E)     Christ is the only Messiah sent. John 4:25-26 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.