LET US SAFEGUARD OUR DISTINCTION
Introduction
A. The Children of Israel were God’s chosen people. Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (159)
1. Adopted by God. V1
2. Chosen by God. V2
3. Sanctified by God. V2
B. They became unfaithful to God and lost their distinction.
1. Made covenants with the nations around them. Judges 2:1-3 (199)
2. Became ignorant of God’s word. Hosea 4:6 (644)
3. Became indifferent. Isaiah 1:2-4 (514)
C. God’s chosen people today is His church. Acts 2:47b (802); 1 Peter 2:9 (895)
D. Let’s focus on three ways a local church can lose her distinction.
I. By compromising.
A. Let’s not compromise with the religious world.
1. Distinction can be good. Examples:
2. The church is distinct. Examples: essentiality of baptism (Acts 2:38),
acapella singing (Ephesians 5:18-19), observance of Lord’s Supper each Sunday
(Acts 20:7) Why should we compromise these beliefs and practices?
B. Let’s not compromise with the sinful values and practices of worldly people.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (855); James 4:4 (893)
II. A local church can lose her distinction by being ignorant of God’s word.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (885)
A. Leaders must be certain that God’s word is taught.
B. We must maintain knowledge of what worship is.
III. A Local church can lose her distinction by being indifferent. 1 Peter 2:9 (895); 2 Tim
2:15 (880) Examples: toward Bible study and wortship (Hebrews 10:25, individual growth
(2 Peter 3:18), evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20) and meeting the needs of people (James1:27
Conclusion: It’s possible for a local church to lose her distinction. Let’s be committed to God’s
way, let’s grow spiritually by feasting on God’s word and be dedicated to worshipping and
serving our God.
