THEME: I Am Fifth
Series: I Am Fifth
TITLE: Through the Looking Glass
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Ghandi
I. HOW ARE WE PERCEIVED?
Peoples’ views about Jesus matter because they tell us how clearly we are (representing God) and communicating His (message).
A word we would do well to learn: (sanctification). It means “to be set apart.”
What are people saying about us?
1. “You Christians are so divisive. Why can’t you guys get along?”
2. “Christians are no fun.”
3. “Christians like to live in their own little bubbles.”
4. “Christians are mean and hateful people.”
5. “Christians are hypocrites. They’re two-faced.”
6. “Christians don’t really care about me. They are in it for themselves.”
II. HOW ARE WE TO PROJECT?
Three thoughts which are important:
1. We need to train ourselves to think (Biblically).
2. We need to understand what the world (believes).
3. We need to (Love) God and people.
Paul’s thoughts for us from 2 Cor.2:14-17:
1) We need to (follow the leader), not take the lead.
2) We need to emit a (pleasant fragrance) of His influence in our lives.
3) We need to (model the truth) no matter how inadequate; nor corrupt the message no matter how adequate we may appear.
Questions to ask:
· Am I really depending on God to lead me? Am I sensitive to Him?
· Am I living a triumphant life in Christ? Is He my focus?
· How’s my smell?
· How am I doing as a model these days? Am I being authentic?
NEXT WEEK: Who’s Your Daddy? Exodus 32:1-10, 15-29
