Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:13-20
Common to All
Intro.
1. Each person is unique; There is only one of you.
2. World focuses on differences, comparing and commending themselves, 2 Cor. 10:12 (wealth, gender, race, politics…). This is destructive and sinful.
3. Much is made over equality (opportunity) v. equity (outcome).
-Scripture settles this spiritually (and physically), cf. Matt. 7:13-14.
4. What do you have in common with:
a. A man or a woman? 1 Cor. 11:11-12 (feminism, transgenderism)
b. Other races? Acts 17:26 (Privilege, victimization)
c. Bill Gates? Elon Musk? Prov. 22:2 (envy, covet, materialism)
5. All of us have many things in common. Our commonality (equality) in these things should inform our attitudes, language, and treatment of others.
I. GOD CREATED US ALL, Gen. 1:1, 26-27; 2:7, 21-23.
A. We All Live on God’s Good Earth, Acts 17:25 (life, breath, all).
1. Food to sustain us (labor), shelter to protect us (materials), and clothing to cover and warm us, Gen. 1:28-29; 9:3 (3:21).
2. God does good for us all, Acts 14:17; 17:28.
3. To ignore God is a great insult to Him!
II. WE ARE ALL INHERENTLY EQUAL BEFORE GOD.
A. All Are Created in God’s Image, Gen. 1:27.
-Skin color, physical traits are irrelevant to God; should be to us, too, 1 Sam. 16:7.
B. All are Born Innocent, Deut. 1:39 (Eccl. 7:29); Matt. 18:3-4; 19:14.
C. All are Tempted to Sin, 1 Cor. 10:12-13; James 1:14.
1. Temptations to covet, lust, lie, betray, etc. are universal.
2. Should cause empathy and mercy, not self-righteous condemnation, Matt. 9:10-13.
D. All Choose to Sin, Rom. 5:12 (3:23); James 1:15-16.
1. Calamities do not mean “worse sinners,” Luke 13:1-4.
2. Misfortunes should prompt introspection/repent, Luke 13:5.
E. All Need Salvation, John 3:16-17; Eph. 2:1-3; Titus 2:11.
F. The Gospel is for All, Mark 16:15; Acts 10:34-35 (28).
1. Race, gender, social status, occupation, political affiliation…
2. Plan of salvation the same for all, Mark 16:16 (Acts 15:9, 11).
G. In the Church (saved), All are Brethren, Servants, Citizens, Etc., Gal. 3:28-29; Col. 3:11 (1 Pet. 2:9).
-Different roles/works, but one body, Rom. 12:3-5.
H. Death Comes to Us All, Heb. 9:27.
1. Death is impartial, unbiased, color blind.
2. Should arrange life knowing this truth, James 4:13-17.
I. Equal Justice Under God’s Law. (People are unjust.)
1. Every person will give account, Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.
2. The judgment seat of Christ will be:
a. According to truth, Rom. 2:2.
b. Inclusive, Rom. 2:3.
c. All can repent, Rom. 2:4.
d. Righteous judgment, Rom. 2:5.
e. According to our conduct, Rom. 2:6-10.
f. Without partiality, Rom. 2:11.
III. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US.
A. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, Matt. 22:39 (Rom. 13:8-10).
1. Treat as you wish to be treated, Matt. 7:12 (Lk. 10:36-37).
2. Without retaliation, Matt. 5:38-39. (Lord’s place, Rom. 12:19)
B. As Much as it Depends on You, Live Peaceably, Rom. 12:17-18.
C. Try to Save Lost Souls with the Gospel, Matt. 9:38 (Acts 8:4).
Conclusion
1. All have a common problem (sin) and common remedy (Christ).
2. Opportunity to be saved is now (Matt. 7:13-14).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted April 9, 2021