SERIES: Danger: Toxic!
TITLE: Nauseating
TEXT: Matthew 15:1-9 (p.820); Romans 3:20-22 (p.941)
“The tendency to turn human judgments into divine commands makes religion one of the most dangerous forces in the world.” Craig Groeschel in Soul Detox
“We may spend our days in what we call our religious duties, and we may fill our devotions with fervor, and still may be miserable. Nothing can set our hearts at rest but a real acquaintance with God.” Andrew Farley in The Naked Gospel
- THE BAD NEWS
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
Christianity is not intended to make us (religious) or to be one of the (world’s major religions). It is supposed to be a (relationship) with the one, true, living God.
Following religion leads to two toxic problems:
- Religion leads you to focus on the (external) rather than the (internal).
- Rules-following religious people believe their (behavior and beliefs) are right and everyone else is wrong.
Being converted to Jesus is not just learning to obey (some rules). Being converted to Jesus is learning to so (adore God) we would gladly renounce everything we have to follow Him.
- THE GOOD NEWS
Religion can tell you what do; the gospel gives you the (power) to do it.
Why is it easy for people to honor God with their lips and not their heart? Tradition requires no (integrity of heart) and is easily substituted for true (worship and obedience).
Turn to Romans 3:20-22. Some important points:
- You cannot earn God’s acceptance by (observing the Law).
- The purpose of the Law is to show (you need a Savior).
- Righteousness from God comes by (faith) in Christ alone.
To sum up: Religion = Christ + anything. Gospel= Christ + nothing.
Religion is all about what I do. Gospel is all about what Jesus has done.
Religion is all about me. Gospel is all about Jesus.
Religion highlights my efforts. Gospel highlights what Christ has done.
Religion puts the burden on us. Gospel put the burden on Him & what He did.
NEXT WEEK: Drifting- Jer.2:1-19; I Cor.9:24-27