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