Christians are pilgrims: Psalm 119:54, I Peter 1:17, Hebrews 11:13, Romans 8:18, II Corinthians 4:17, Psalm 39:12, James 4:14, I Timothy 6:7 , Ecclesiastes 12:7, II Peter 3:13, I Chronicles 29:15. I cite these verses because they were the public scripture reading (not recorded with the sermon) during the worship service in which the sermon was preached. We have a public reading of the scripture each Sunday morning--in this case it was a topical reading with the pilgrim emphasis. I have been a pastor for over 30 years. Although my memory is not quite what it once was, as far as I can remember no sermon I have ever preached so fulfilled the substance of what II Corinthians 10:4,5 teach. The homiletical structure leaves much to be desired, as does the oratory. I beg your pardon. Nevertheless, this sermon searches every stronghold of the human mind, and biblically, graciously summons "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." The main text of the message is I Corinthians 7:31--"using the world". It is the world of lawful things that is under consideration. Your ATTITUDE toward lawful things is more specifically the matter considered. You are, if you are a Christian, a pilgrim travelling through an age that is "short" more literally-- been shortened. Lawful things can and do gain a disproportionate authority or power in the lives of Christians. This sermon ministers of number of very, very simple test questions as to whether or not this is the case in your life. This sermon begins with a number of considerations regarding the weightiness, the greatness of our salvation. |
