Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:23-30

Shopping for the "Church of Me"

Intro.
1. A Christian loses “self” in Christ (Lk. 9:23; 14:25-27; Gal. 2:20).

2. Some wonder: Why should I? - Matt. 19:23-30

3. Some choose to “shop” for a form of Christianity that pleases them rather than sacrifice themselves to/for Christ – 2 Tim. 4:1-5.

a. They are looking for a “church of me” – Defined, regulated adapted to conform to satisfying self – 4:3-4

b. Even within a church, such “shopping” takes place as some “pick & choose” what they will believe & practice while rejecting the rest.

4. Such “shopping” will always lead to spiritual death! – Gal. 1:6-10

5. Are you shopping for a “church of me”?! Are you already a member?

I. THE “CHURCH OF ME” SHOPPER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH SOUND DOCTRINE – 1 Tim. 6:3.

A. Where People Quickly Tire of Gospel Preaching – 2 Tim. 4:2-3.

1. Because it exposes, reproves & rebukes their sin! – 2 Tim. 3:16-17

2. Isa. 30:8-11 – A sign of rebellion against God!

B. Where Respect For Bible Authority Has Become Foreign – Col. 3:17 (Lk. 6:46).

C. Where People Have A Form of Godliness But Have Denied Its Power – 2 Tim. 3:1-5 (Tit. 1:16).

D. Are You Shopping For Doctrine Which Pleases You?

1. Social gospel: coffee & donuts, fellowship meals, church-provided recreation… (1 Cor. 11:22, 34).

2. Plan of salvation: “Saved in all the churches” (Eph. 4:4-6).

3. MDR: “live and let live” (Gal. 1:8-9).

4. Unity in doctrinal diversity: “Take me as I am” (2 Jno. 9-11).

5. Are you already a member of the “church of me”?!

II. THE “CHURCH OF ME” SHOPPER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE MORAL PURITY THE GOSPEL DEMANDS – 2 Tim. 2:22; Tit. 2:11-12; 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

A. Where People Are Deceived Into Thinking The Stain Of The World Will Not Rub Off On Them – 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:5-7.

1. Only when we live by word of God are we insulated from the world!

2. The world has already entered the person who thinks otherwise!

B. Where People See Little Need For Separation From The World In Their Personal Life – 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1. (Thinking & behavior)

1. But that is exactly where such separation must occur!

2. Rom. 12:1-2 – If not in our daily lives, then when & where??!!

3. 1 Ths. 4:7-8 – Like doctrinal disregard, it is rebellion to snub our noses at God’s will for our moral purity!

C. Are You Shopping For Morality Which Pleases You?

1. Profane language & angry exchanges – Eph. 4:29-32.

2. Immodest dress – 1 Tim. 2:9-10. (“My child is going to wear what’s popular” without thought of whether it is modest!)

3. Dancing – 1 Pet. 4:3. (“Nobody is going to tell me I can’t dance!”)

4. Sinful entertainment – Eph. 5:3-4. (“Everybody does it & nobody cares!”)

5. Are you already a member of the “church of me”?!

III. THE “CHURCH OF ME” SHOPPER IS LOOKING FOR A CHURCH WHERE COMFORT & CONVENIENCE RULE THE DAY – Lk. 9:57-62.

A. Where Attendance At Worship Services Is Optional & Occasional – Heb. 10:24-25.

1. “I’ll come when I feel like it!”

2. Miss the whole concept of worship to God! (Psa. 122:1)

B. Where There Is Little Personal Responsibility Toward Fellow-Christians – 1 Cor. 12:25-27; Gal. 6:2; 1 Ths. 5:14.

1. “I have my own troubles…I can’t be bothered!”

2. Self-centered living is sinful! (Matt. 7:12)

C. Where Personal Accountability For Right & Wrong Is Not Expected – Gal. 6:5; 2 Ths. 3:10 (6, 14-15).

1. “It’s my business – leave me alone!” – cf. Rom. 14:7

2. Often because one is unwilling to be accountable for his actions!

3. Rom. 14:12 – We all will give account unto God.

D. Are You Shopping For A Form Of Christianity Which Is Convenient & Undemanding Of You? – Acts 24:25

-Are you already a member of the “church of me”?!

Conclusion

1. 1 Cor. 3:11 – Only the foundation of Christ will endure (Matt. 7:24).

2. Jesus already built His church – Not the “church of me”!

3. We must always be careful to submit our will to God’s will - or we will be crushed by His hand of judgment! Jas. 4:7-10