WHY BE SO NEGATIVE?
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Introduction: Consider the calling of Jeremiah
- Jeremiah 1:10
A. Why put down other faiths?
1.
Some plants God did not
plant (Matt.
2.
Some houses of worship the
Lord did not build (Psalm 127:1)
B.
Why do I feel the preacher
is always preaching at me?
1.
Maybe your priorities are
wrong (Rev. 2:4)
2.
Maybe your doctrine is wrong
(Rev. 2:14-15)
3.
Maybe your conduct is wrong
(Rev. 2:20-23)
4.
Maybe you not growing (Rev.
3:1-2)
5.
Maybe you are indecisive
(Rev. 3:15-16)
C.
Consider the preaching of
Paul (2 Cor. 10:4-6)
1.
Preaching God's word is a
double edged sword
a.
An aroma of life and death
(2 Cor.
b.
Is offensive and foolish,
Power and wisdom (1 Cor.
2.
Opposed religious error
a.
Whether practiced by
heathens (Acts
b.
Whether practiced by
Christians (Gal. 4:8-20)
I.
Norman Vincent Peale
Philosophy
A.
Be all positive - More flies
with honey than vinegar
1.
God is love
2.
God is gracious
3.
Heaven is a wonderful place
(Robert Schuller is a big fan)
B.
Good preaching must be
balanced
1.
God demonstrated his love
(John
2.
If we got what we deserved
God would wipe us out (Rom.
a.
Just - Sin still needed to
be punished
b.
Justified - The righteous
requirement of the law was paid
3.
Hell is a terrible place
(Rev. 21:8, 27)
C.
Positives and Negatives
1.
Ten Commandments (Exo.
20:1-17)
2.
Blessings and Cursings (Deu. 28)
3.
Jesus Preaching (Mark
4.
Paul's Preaching (Rom.
II. The Doctor sometimes has to
cut before he can heal
A.
Preach the whole counsel of
God (Acts
B.
Wholesome, balanced
preaching will bring positive results
1.
1 Corinthians 4:14-21, 2
Corinthians 7:8-12
2.
Acts 2:36-41