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. Job's Steadfastness  (Job 13:15, Job 19:25)

· 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. Job's 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. Job's Separation

· 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.

· Separation involves what we say.  (Proverbs 8:6, Proverbs 21:23) (Also I Peter 3:10)

· 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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