Topical Studies

VAIN THINGS

Intro.

1.     Vain:  Empty, fruitless, nothing of lasting value (detrimental).

2.     Scriptures warn us of a number of vain things (1 Cor. 10:12).

 

I. MAKING THIS WORLD & ITS ACTIVITIES THE GOAL OF YOUR LIFE – Eccl. 1:2.

·    Life cycles & is unfulfilling – 1:3-11.

·    Neither pleasure, wealth, materialism, wisdom, death, labor, social standing, etc. give lasting satisfaction – Eccl. 1:14.

·    Fear & obey God – Purpose & fulfillment to life – Eccl. 12:13-14.

 

II.  VAIN WORSHIP – Matt. 15:7-9.

·    By following the doctrines of men – Col. 2:18-23 (Matt. 7:21-23).

·    By hearts that are far from God - Mal. 1:10-11 (respect & honor God)

·    Combine pure heart & authorized action - Jno. 4:23-24.

 

III. VAIN LABOR – 1 Cor. 15:58.

·    Works of faith are not vain in the Lord - Eph. 2:10; 1 Ths. 1:3.

·    By holding forth the word of life – Phil. 2:16.

 

IV.  VAIN PREACHING – 1 Ths. 2:1-2.

·    The fear & regret of vain labor is real– Gal. 4:11.

·    When brethren turn back to sin & error, souls are lost & those who taught them suffer loss – 1 Ths. 3:5 (1 Cor. 3:14-15).

 

V.    VAIN REPETITIONS IN PRAYER – Matt. 6:7.

·    Prayer is not heard based on its wordiness, impressiveness, etc.

·    Approaching God w/ pride will cause our fall – Lk. 18:9, 13-14.

·    Sincere prayer with simple faith is heard! – Matt. 6:9-13.

 

VI.  FIGHTING AGAINST THE PURPOSES OF GOD – Acts 4:24-28

        -With immoral living, unauthorized church work, worship, false doctrine…

·    Because God is wiser than us – Isa. 40:13-14.

·    Because God is superior to us, we must seek Him! - Isa. 55:6-11.

·    Do not fight against God! – Acts 5:39

 

VII.    THE DEATH OF CHRIST IS VAIN IF THE OT SAVES – Gal. 2:21.

·    Law cannot save, only expose sin – Rom. 3:20; cf. Gal. 3:21.

·    Christians suffered in vain (for gospel) if OT saves! – Gal. 3:1-4 (2:2)

 

VIII. IF YOU REVERT TO SIN, GOD’S GRACE & YOUR FAITH ARE VAIN - 2 Cor. 6:1.

·    Be reconciled with God & receive God’s grace – 2 Cor. 5:10.

·    Hold fast the gospel (faith), standing in it (saved by it) – 1 Cor. 15:1-2.

·    If we faithfully labor, God’s grace is not received in vain - 1 Cor. 15:10.

 

Conclusion

1.  1 Ths. 2:1 – Gospel preaching is not in vain when we take it into our hearts and live it in our lives.

2.  Your faith is not vain in the Lord – 1 Cor. 15:58.