TEXT: Ephnesis 4:11-16; Galatians 2:20-21; Acts 17:10-12; II Timothy 2:15; II Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 2:20-21; II Corinthians 6:11-18; John 17:15-17; I John 2:15-17; I Corinthians 9:19-23; I Corinthians 6:12, 10:23; James 5:12; Matthew 5:33-37; Galatians 1:10; Psalm 15:1-2; Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 29:5; Proverbs 27:5-6; Proverbs 28:23; Luke 6:26

INTRODUCTION: As Believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we’ve all encountered misconceptions about our Christian faith, that sometimes even affect our trust, our confidence, and our belief in Jesus Christ and His word as written in the Bible.

For example, perhaps you’ve heard that “being a Christian means giving up on having fun, and living a life of rigid roles’, or perhaps you’ve been told that Christians should never say anything that might hurt or harm someone’s feelings, even if it means compromising the truth. Or maybe you’ve wondered if associating with unbelievers is off-limits for Christians!!

These and more misconceptions can be confusing, and if left unaddressed, can lead to a distorted view of Christianity. So the question to ask us tonight is simply “what does the Bible have to say about these highlighted issues?

Tonight, we will be exploring these misconceptions and examining what the Bible says about the 3 questions asked, so that we are not “tossed to and fro with every wind of misconception” as Apostle Paul warned the church of Ephesus.

Outline 1: As a Christian, do I need to give up Fun and Follow a life of rules (and perhaps regulations)?

1. Perhaps it is important to define what we mean by FUN? Fun is defined as “enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure
2. Based on the definition, is there anything wrong with a Christian having fun?
3. Can a Christian participate in just any kind of Fun
4. This perhaps leads us to differentiate between “Good fun and Bad fun”, then the next question will be “What is good fun and what is bad fun”?
5. The bible does not necessarily advocate for a life devoid of fun or enjoyment, but we must remember that a true Christian life is one of obedience to God’s word, not one of indulgence in worldly pleasures.
6. I John 2:15-17 not to love the world!!! World here refers to the morally evil system opposed to all that is God, and Godly. The world thus refers
7. To the satanic system opposing Christ’s kingdom on earth. John 4:4 tells us that friendship with the world is enmity with God Paul’s example:
8.  I Cor 6:12, 10:21-23, Ps 1:1-6
9. Apostle Paul in I Cor 9:1-27 explains his liberty (verses 1-6), but adds that he has abstained for his own chosen reasons for the gospel sake (verses 15-23)
10. As believers, we have freedom in Christ (Gal 5:1), but we are adjoined in Gal 5:13 not to use our liberty for an occasion to the flesh
11. James 1:25 tells us to look at the perfect law of liberty, and to do accordingly, and we will be blessed
12. I Peter 2:16 says we are free, but we are not to use our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness (doing wrong things). We are to submit all our actions to God
13. Col 3:17 says we are to do whatsoever we do, in word or deed, to do them in the name of the Lord Jesus, meaning, we should do all things we do to glorify His name.
14. So in conclusion, a true Christian life is not about giving up a lifestyle to enjoy fun and good pleasure (Ps 16:11) to follow set of rules. Rather it’s about living a life of freedom (from sin and bondage)and joy in Christ Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit, and characterized by obedience to God’s word
15. READ Gal 2:20

Outline 2: Christian should not say anything that may hurt someone’s feeling.

1. To start this, let me ask us if there is any noticeable difference in the first chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians compared with the first chapter of his other epistles?
2. He wasted no time in addressing a key issue of concern. In fact in Gal 3:1, he even asked them “Who hath bewitched you? In the pidgin English version of this verse it says “Na so una mumu don reach”!!!!
3. God’s words does not encourage falsehood for any reason.
4. Ps 15:1-2 says – LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
5. Read I Thess 2:3-6 – For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yetof others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
6. Read Gal 1:10 – For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
7. Matt 5:37, repeated in James 5:12 says “but let your communication be, Yea, yea, Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil
8. The word of God provides guidance on how we are to interact with others and avoid hurting their feelings. For example, the bible teaches us to love and be considerate
9. Romans 13:8, 10 – Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law…. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour, therefore love is the fulling of the law
10. We can also read about love further in I Cor 13:4-8 to be better guided in our interactions with others
11. Prov 12:17-19 – He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: But a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: But the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
12. But nevertheless, as much as we should show love at all times, it is wrong to flatter (excessive or insincere praise) or lie to others, just to curry their favour or hide from the truth!!!
13. Eph 4:15 says we are to speak the truth in love!!!
14. When we flatter others or lie to them, we are simply not working in love (Prov 26:28 – a flattering mouth worketh ruin), Prov 29:5 – a man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet
15. Most true Christians appreciate loving honesty more than shallow flatteries Prov 27:5-6 says open rebuke is better than secret love, faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful
16. Prov 28:23 says – He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
17. We must realize that God does not bless flattery lips – Prov 24:24-25 says He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.
18. Also read Ps 12:2-3 – They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: With flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaketh proud things:
19. While the bible encourages Christians to speak the truth and stand firm in their convictions, it also emphasizes the importance of doing so in love and consideration for others. As Christians, we should strive to avoid hurting other people’s feelings and instead seek to build them up and show them love and consideration
20. Apply Paul’s Policy and Mantra Acts 24:16

Outline 3: Should I associate with Unbelivers as a Christian?

1. We must understand that there is a difference between Separation and Interaction
2. We cannot avoid interacting with others so long as we are alive and remain in the world
3. In John 17:11-12, Jesus Christ recognised that He was in the world with God’s children, and that He was now leaving them to remain in the world
4. John 15:18-19 makes it clear to us that “We are not of the world”
5. John 17:15-17 – Jesus Christ, in His prayer to the Father asked the Father not to take us out of the world, but that the Father should keep us from the evil in the world.
6. I John 2:15-17 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
7. Associate is coined from association which means ä group of people organized for a joint purpose
8. So long as we remain in the world, we must interact with others, but we do not necessarily have to associate”with any worldly system that is set up to promote iniquity”
9. One way not to love the world, is to avoid associations that will not honour or glorify God, associations that can lead us into sin and backsliding.
10. Rom 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
11. II Cor 6:14-18 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
12. In I Cor 5:6-13, Apostle Paul warned against evil associations, not to keep company with any… We are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers!!!
13. He warned in verse 6 “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
14. Does this mean we cannot have unbelievers as friends? Certainly not, but we are not to partake in any evil they do, whilst letting them know why we cannot
15. The example of Jesus Christ in Luke 15:1-7 is quite instructive. Jesus ate with Sinners, but did not partake in their sins, rather He brought them out of their life in sin
16. Apostle Paul in I Cor 10:27 even said we can attend, if invited, but he gave conditions in the same text So how do we associate with unbelievers?
17. Be salt and light: As a Christian, you are called to be a positive influence in the world. Matthew 5:13-16.
18. Show love and compassion: Treat unbelievers with kindness, respect, and dignity. Luke 10:25-37.
19. Share the Gospel: Be prepared to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those whom God leads you to. I Peter 3:15.
20. Maintain boundaries: While associating with unbelievers, maintain clear boundaries and avoid compromising your faith. I Corinthians 6:18-20.
21. As a Child of God, you should not isolate yourself from unbelievers but rather engage with them in a way that is loving, respectful, and evangelistic. By being salt and light in the world, you can make a positive impact on those around you and share the love of Christ with them.

Let us Pray.

Addendum:

But before we delve into the misconceptions, let’s quickly take a cue from the Bereans as recorded in Acts 17:10-12:

1. Noble Character

– Integrity: The Bereans demonstrated noble character, which is a testament to their integrity and commitment to living a virtuous life.

– Humility: They were willing to listen and learn, showing humility and a willingness to grow.

2. Eagerness to Receive the Message

– Open-mindedness: The Bereans were eager to receive the message, demonstrating an open-mindedness and willingness to consider new ideas.

– Receptivity: They were receptive to the Gospel message, showing a willingness to listen and learn.

3. Examining the Scriptures

– Biblical literacy: The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily, demonstrating a commitment to biblical literacy and a desire to understand

God’s Word.

– Discernment: They tested Paul’s message against the Scriptures, showing discernment and a commitment to truth.

4. Willingness to Learn

– Teachability: The Bereans were willing to learn from Paul and Silas, demonstrating a teachable spirit and a willingness to grow.

– Hunger for knowledge: They were eager to learn more about God’s Word, showing a hunger for knowledge and a desire to deepen their understanding of the faith.

If we chose to follow the example of the Bereans, we will cultivate deeper commitment to biblical literacy, discernment, and willingness to learn and grow in their faith.

As a Christian (Young Convert or Matured), How Do I Handle Misconceptions?

It is important as Christians that we prayerfully handle misconceptions, and be properly guided, lest we derail from our faith in God. Below are some ways/steps, we as believers can apply in handling misconceptions, both for our own spiritual safety, as well as being “our brothers’ keepers”. The steps require thoughtful and loving approach:

1. Understand the Misconception

– Listen actively: Hear the person out and try to understand their perspective.

– Ask clarifying questions: Seek to understand the root of the misconception.

– Avoid being defensive: Listen without becoming overly defensive or emotional.

2. Pray for Wisdom and Guidance

– Seek God’s wisdom: Ask God to give you wisdom and guidance on how to respond.

– Pray for the person: Pray for the person who holds the misconception, that they may come to know the truth.

3. Respond with Love and Respect

– Speak the truth in love: Share the truth about Christianity in a loving and respectful manner.

– Avoid being confrontational: Approach the conversation as a dialogue, not a debate.

– Show empathy and understanding: Acknowledge the person’s concerns and show empathy.

4. Focus on the Gospel

– Share the Gospel: Clearly and concisely share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

– Highlight the love of God: Emphasize God’s love and desire for a personal relationship with each person.

– Avoid getting sidetracked: Stay focused on the core message of Christianity.

5. Be Prepared to Answer Questions

– Know your Bible: Be familiar with Scripture and able to explain Christian teachings.

– Be honest about what you don’t know: If you’re unsure about a question, say so and offer to find the answer.

– Provide resources: Share books, articles, or websites that can help answer questions and provide more information.

6. Model Christian Character

– Live out your faith: Demonstrate the love, kindness, and compassion of Christ in your daily life.

– Show the fruit of the Spirit: Exhibit the characteristics of a Christian, such as patience, gentleness, and self-control.

– Be a positive influence: Allow your faith to shine through in your interactions with others.

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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