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A Culture Gone Wrong
Introduction:
Our culture is changing rapidly and not in the right
direction. Our society is getting further and further away
from God. So how do we, as God’s people, live in a culture
gone wrong? An excellent example of someone doing that very
thing is Job. Read
Job 1:1-8.
We see his steadfastness, service, and
separation while living in a culture gone wrong. [This
idea came from Rick Owens.]
Body:
I.
His Steadfastness
(Job
13:15, Job 19:25)
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Job was mature in his faith. He was blameless and
righteous. (Isaiah
33:15)
But he was willing to change when needed. (Job
42:2-3, 6)
He knew God was just (Job
9:1-4)
·
Being steadfast required training the mind. Job would not
allow himself to be conformed to the culture of his day. (Romans
12:2)
·
Job knew the absolute necessity of being steadfast in his
worship. (Job
1:5, Job1:20)
Job never shirked his responsibility. (Job
42:8)
If our community witnessed proper dedication from us, maybe
they could be influenced to turn away from evil.
II.
His Service
(Job
1:8)
Great honor!
·
Job recognized what his service to Jehovah should be. He
knew what his priorities were and remained focused upon
them. He did not allow trials of life to interfere with his
service to God. (Job
2:3-10)
·
Our society needs to see that our priorities are not
worldly, but heavenly. They must see that our focus is on
God, not self. (Colossians
3:1-2)
They need to see us “seeking first the kingdom of God.” (Matthew
6:33)
·
Even though Job was miserable in many ways, he still
glorified God. (Job
2:10)
Job remained dedicated and committed in his service. He
continued to be salt and light. (Matthew
5:13-14)
This example will have a huge impact on those around us.
III.
His Separation
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Read
Job 1:1-8
again. Separation from the ways of the world begins in the
heart, the mind. (Matthew
15:19-20)
One must possess a clean heart in an evil, immoral culture.
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Separation involves what we say. (Proverbs
8:6, Proverbs 21:23)
(Also
I Peter 3:10)
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Separation involves our actions, our behavior. Job acted
differently than those around him. He was blameless and
upright. Peter advised his readers in
I Peter 2:9-12.
If Christians live like the world, we will never be able to
change it.
Conclusion:
No doubt we live in a culture gone wrong. But we can make a
difference. Job was not perfect; he made mistakes. But he
still stood out in an evil society. So can we!
Bobby Stafford
August 25, 2013
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