Proud to be TJ's man

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Even profound Christian thinker C.S. Lewis wrote about the “problem of pain.” Why indeed would a good God allow a world of suffering? 

Suffering Comes With the Freedom to Choose.
Loving parents long to protect their children from unnecessary pain. But wise parents know the danger of over-protection. They know that the freedom to choose is at the heart of what it means to be human, and that a world without choice would be worse than a world without pain. Worse yet would be a world populated by people who could make wrong choices without feeling any pain. No one is more dangerous than the liar, thief or killer who doesn’t feel the harm he is doing to himself and to others (Genesis 2:15-17).

Pain Can Warn Us of Danger.
We hate pain, especially in those we love. Yet without discomfort, the sick wouldn’t go to a doctor. Worn-out bodies would get no rest. Criminals wouldn’t fear the law. Children would laugh at correction. Without pangs of conscience, the daily dissatisfaction of boredom or the empty longing for significance, people who are made to find satisfaction in an eternal Father would settle for far less. The example of Solomon, lured by pleasure and taught by his pain, shows us that even the wisest among us tend to drift from good and from God until arrested by the resulting pain of our own shortsighted choices (Ecclesiastes 1-12; Psalm 78:34-35; Romans 3:10-18).

Suffering Reveals What Is in Our Hearts.
Suffering often occurs at the hand of others. But it has a way of revealing what is in our own hearts. Capacities for love, mercy, anger, envy and pride can lie dormant until awakened by circumstances. Strength and weakness of heart are found not when everything is going our way but when flames of suffering and temptation test the mettle of our character. As gold and silver are refined by fire, and as coal needs time and pressure to become a diamond, the human heart is revealed and developed by enduring the pressure and heat of time and circumstance. Strength of character is shown not when all is well with our world but in the presence of human pain and suffering (Job 42:1-17; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-5; 1 Peter 1:6-8).

Suffering Takes Us to the Edge of Eternity.
If death is the end of everything, then a life filled with suffering isn’t fair. But if the end of this life brings us to the threshold of eternity, then the most fortunate people in the universe are those who discover, through suffering, that this life is not all we have to live for. Those who find themselves and their eternal God through suffering have not wasted their pain. They have let their poverty, grief and hunger drive them to the Lord of eternity. They are the ones who will discover to their own unending joy why Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3, NIV; see also Romans 8:18-19).

Pain Loosens Our Grip on This Life.
In time, our work and our opinions are sought less and less. Our bodies become increasingly worse for the wear. Gradually they succumb to inevitable obsolescence. Joints stiffen and ache. Eyes grow dim. Digestion slows. Sleep becomes difficult. Problems loom larger and larger while options narrow. Yet, if death is not the end but the threshold of a new day, then the curse of old age is also a blessing. Each new pain makes this world less inviting and the next life more appealing. In its own way, pain paves the way for a graceful departure (Ecclesiastes 12:1-14).

 Suffering Gives Opportunity to Trust God.
The most famous sufferer of all time was a man named Job. According to the Bible, Job lost his family to war, his wealth to wind and fire, and his health to painful boils. Through it all, God never told Job why it was happening. As Job endured the accusations of his friends, heaven remained silent. When God finally did speak, He did not reveal that His archenemy Satan had challenged Job’s motives for serving God. Neither did the Lord apologize for allowing Satan to test Job’s devotion to God. Instead, God talked about mountain goats giving birth, young lions on the hunt and ravens in the nest. He cited the behavior of the ostrich, the strength of the ox and the stride of the horse. He cited the wonders of the heavens, the marvels of the sea and the cycle of the seasons. Job was left to conclude that if God had the power and wisdom to create this physical universe, there was reason to trust that same God in times of suffering (Job 1-42).

 God Suffers With Us in Our Suffering.
No one has suffered more than our Father in heaven. No one has paid more dearly for the allowance of sin into the world. No one has so continuously grieved over the pain of a race gone bad. No one has suffered like the One who paid for our sin in the crucified body of His own Son. No one has suffered more than the One who, when He stretched out His arms and died, showed us how much He loved us. It is this God who, in drawing us to Himself, asks us to trust Him when we are suffering and when our own loved ones cry out in our presence (1 Peter 2:21; 3:18; 4:1).

 God’s Comfort Is Greater Than Our Suffering.
The apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away an unidentified source of suffering. But the Lord declined, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” “Therefore,” said Paul, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul learned that he would rather be with Christ in suffering than without Christ in good health and pleasant circumstances.

 In Times of Crisis, We Find One Another.
No one would choose pain and suffering. But when there is no choice, there remains some consolation. Natural disasters and times of crisis have a way of bringing us together. Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, riots, illnesses and accidents all have a way of bringing us to our senses. Suddenly we remember our own mortality and that people are more important than things. We remember that we do need one another and that, above all, we need God.

Each time we discover God’s comfort in our own suffering, our capacity to help others is increased. This is what the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 God Can Turn Suffering Around for Our Good.
This truth is best seen in the many examples of the Bible. Through Job’s suffering we see a man who not only came to a deeper understanding of God but who also became a source of encouragement for people in every generation to follow. Through the rejection, betrayal, enslavement and wrongful imprisonment of a man named Joseph, we see someone who eventually was able to say to those who had hurt him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

When everything in us screams at the heavens for allowing suffering, we have reason to look at the eternal outcome and joy of Jesus who in His own suffering on an executioner’s cross cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

You’re not alone if the unfairness and suffering of life leaves you unconvinced that a God in heaven cares for you. But consider again the suffering of the One called by the prophet Isaiah “a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering” (Isaiah 53:3). Think about His slashed back, His bloodied forehead, His nail-ripped hands and feet, His pierced side, His agony in the Garden and His pathetic cry of abandonment. Consider Christ’s claim that He was suffering not for His sins but for ours. To give us the freedom to choose, He lets us suffer. But He Himself bore the ultimate penalty and pain for all our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

When you do see the reason for His suffering, keep in mind that the Bible says Christ died to pay the price for our sins, and that those who believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). The forgiveness and eternal life Christ offers is not a reward for effort but a gift to all who, in light of the evidence, put their trust in Him.

No test of a man’s true character is more conclusive than how he spends his time and his money. The following table might give us three perspectives which can be useful:

Poverty Theology:  This theology is disgusted with worldliness, best symbolized by man’s obsession with money. He believes possessions are a curse and has rejected materialism in any and every form. A strong bias toward helping the poor exists, but he has few, if any, resources to actually help with the solution. A few guilty Christians with wealth may also fall into this category, especially if they inherited their money.

Prosperity Theology: This theology believes you have not because you ask not. They often have learned about tithing and have experienced the material blessings available by following the tithing principle. Because of their success with tithing, a preoccupation with money develops. They soon begin suggesting that the reason others are not experiencing God’s blessings financially as a lack of faith. No room is allowed for God to call some people to be poor. Many disciples of prosperity theology live consumptive lifestyles.

Stewardship Theology: Stewards believe God owns and controls everything. Possessions are a privilege and not a right; the steward gives up his rights. He reads Scripture to say possessions are a trust given in varying proportions, depending upon the innate, God-given abilities he has and his faithfulness and obedience to follow Biblical principles. The steward believes prosperity results from faithfully administering his talents, as given by God in His sole discretion.

Which one is correct? The steward!

Scriptures for discussion:

Proverbs 13:11: “Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it.”

   1 Timothy 5:8: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”

When stacked up against all other religions, Christianity is the only one that shines with the light of authenticity. Why? 

The Credibility of Its Founder.
Christ said He came from heaven to fulfill prophecy, to die for our sins and to bring to His Father all who believe in Him. Logic says that He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend or the Lord of heaven. His first-century followers drew their own conclusions. They said they saw Him walk on water, still a storm, heal crippled limbs, feed 5,000 with a few pieces of bread and fish, live a blameless life, die a terrible death and live again. During His ministry, when some of Jesus’ followers took issue with His teachings and left, He asked those closest to Him if they too wanted to leave. Peter spoke for the others when he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68,69, NIV).

The Reliability of Its Book.
Written over a period of about 1,600 years by 40 different authors, the book on which the Christian faith rests tells one story that begins with creation and concludes on the threshold of eternity. The integrity of its historical and geographical record is supported by archaeology. The accuracy with which it has been copied and handed down to us has been confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls of Qumran. Originating neither in the East nor the West, but in the Middle East-the cradle of civilization-the Bible continues to speak not only with spiritual power but with convincing prophetic accuracy.

Its Explanations for Life.
All religious systems attempt to give meaning to our existence. All attempt to explain our thirst for significance, the problem of pain and the inevitability of death. All religions attempt to apply the design of the cosmos to our individual lives. It is the Christian faith, however, that reflects the caring attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of the natural world. It is Christ who speaks of a Father who takes note of every sparrow that falls, a Father who numbers even the hairs of our head (Matthew 10:29-31). It is Christ who reveals a God who shows how much He cares for all that He has created. It is Christ who clothed Himself in our humanity to feel what we feel, and then to suffer and die in our place. It is Christ who reveals a God who cares as much about His creation as the design and detail of the natural world indicates (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:16-25).

Its Continuity With the Past.
The Christian faith offers continuity with our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting the same Creator and Lord worshiped by Adam, Abraham, Sarah and Solomon. Jesus didn’t reject the past. He was the God of the past (John 1:1-14). When He lived among us, He showed us how to live according to the original plan. When He died, He fulfilled the whole Old Testament sacrificial system. And when He rose from the dead, the salvation He offered fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendant He would bring blessing to the whole world. The Christian faith is not new with Christ. From Genesis to Revelation it is one story. It is His story-and ours (Acts 2:22-39; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Its Foundational Claim.
The first Christians were not driven by political or religious dissent. Their primary issues were not moral or social. They were not well-credentialed theologians or social philosophers. They were witnesses. They risked their lives to tell the world that with their own eyes they had seen an innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them three days later (Acts 5:17-42). Their argument was very concrete. Jesus was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. His body was buried and sealed in a borrowed tomb. Guards were posted to prevent grave tampering. Yet after three days the tomb was empty and witnesses risked their lives to declare that He was alive.

Its Power to Change Lives.
Not only were the first disciples dramatically changed, but so was one of their worst enemies. Paul was transformed from a Christian killer into one of their chief advocates (Galatians 1:11-24). Later he reflected the changes that had occurred in others as well when he wrote to the church in Corinth: “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prositutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Its Analysis of Human Nature
The Bible says that society’s real problems are problems of the heart. In an age of information and technology, failures of character have scandalized institutions of family, government, science, industry, religion, education and the arts. In the most sophisticated society the world has ever known, our national reputation is marred by problems of racial prejudice, addiction, abuse, divorce and sexually transmitted disease. Many want to believe that our problems are rooted in ignorance, diet and government. But to our generation and all others, Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man `unclean'” (Matthew 15:19-20).

Its View of Human Achievement
Generation after generation has hoped for the best. We fought wars that would end all wars. We developed educational theories that would produce enlightened, nonviolent children. We conceived technologies that would deliver us from the oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to what the New Testament describes as an end time marked by wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, disease, loss of affection and spiritual deception (Matthew 24:5-31; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Its Impact on Society.
A carpenter rabbi from Nazareth changed the world. Calendars and dated documents bear silent witness to His birth. From rooftops, necklaces and earrings, the sign of the cross bears visual witness to His death. The Western worldview, which provided a basis for social morality, scientific methodology and a work ethic that fueled industry, had roots in basic Christian values. Social relief agencies, whether in the West or the East, are not fueled by the values of Hinduism, Buddhism, atheism or secular agnosticism, but by the direct or residual values of the Bible.

Its Offer of Salvation.
Alternative religious views have saviors who remain in the grave. No other system offers everlasting life as a gift to those who trust One who has overcome death for them. No other system offers assurance of forgiveness, eternal life and adoption into the family of God by calling on and trusting Someone in the same way a drowning person calls for and relies on the rescue of a lifeguard (Romans 10:9-13). The salvation Christ offers does not depend on what we have done for Him, but on our acceptance of what He has done for us. Instead of moral and religious effort, this salvation requires a helpless admission of our sins. Instead of personal accomplishments of faith, it requires confession of failure. Unlike all other options of faith, Christ asks us to follow Him-not to merit salvation but as an expression of gratitude, love and confidence in the One who has saved us (Ephesians 2:8-10).

You’re not alone if you are still unconvinced about the reasonableness of faith in Christ. But keep in mind Jesus’ claim that we don’t have to resolve our doubts on our own. He said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).

If you do see the reasonableness of faith in Christ, keep in mind that the Bible says to the family of God, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The salvation Christ offers is not a reward for effort, but a gift to all who put their trust in Him.

Reprinted with RBC Ministries (Radio Bible Class), Grand Rapids, Michigan.

INTRODUCTION

I. It is difficult to preach on an unpopular subject–conviction.
A. Our age is opposed, this is an age of toleration.
1. In man’s misguided quest for freedom, he misses the meaning.

B. Perhaps this mistake is most evident in the religious world. 
1. To the most radical, any religious practice is acceptable. 
a. A recent ecumenical meeting had representatives of Protestant
denominations. The Catholics, both Roman and Orthodox were also present.
Most startling, a leader in the Native American religions was asked to
lead a prayer. He did not believe in either the Father or the Son.

II. This toleration in religion is so different from what is found in the
Scriptures. 
A. Daniel went to the lion’s den instead of changing his prayer schedule.

B. The apostles in the early church 
(Acts 4:7-13) “And when they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” {8}
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders
of the people, {9} if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick
man, as to how this man has been made well, {10} let it be known to all
of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ
the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead– by this
name this man stands here before you in good health. {11} “He is the
STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH 
BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone. {12} “And there is salvation in no 
one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among 
men, by which we must be saved.” {13} Now as they observed the confidence 
of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained 
men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

(Acts 4:18-20) “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not
to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. {19} But Peter and John
answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to
give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; {20} for we cannot
stop speaking what we have seen and heard.””

(Acts 5:28-29) “saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue
teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” {29} But Peter
and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

C. Jesus’ message to the churches of Asia was to be strong. His promises
were to “. . . him that overcomes.”

III. Which should we follow–the spirit of the age or the example God’s
people?
A. Is it really necessary to hold a belief against all opposition? 
B. Ask yourself t these two questions
1. If no one stood for anything, if the spirit of the age seen in many
churches prevailed, would the world be a better place?
a. Would more love, compassion and patience exist? 
b. Would crime, illegitimate births, abortions and deaths from AIDS
decrease?

c. The trend of our times is that all of these are increasing as the
spirit of the age prevails.
2. On the other had, if all followed the Biblical teaching, would the world be worse? 
a. If people held to Biblical traditions on love and morality, would we be so worse off?

DISCUSSION
I. THE REASON FOR CONFLICT–OUR CONCEPTION OF TRUTH
A. Few will deny a change in the world’s view of right and wrong. 
1. Some of us have seen a extreme shift in a concept of absolute truth. 
a. In the past, right and wrong were based on principles of law and
morality based on the Bible. 
2. This we can document. 
a. This began first in philosophy. One’s feelings, his non-rational
experience was superior to demonstrated facts.
b. Art became confused. All expressions were acceptable. No wonder that
a gallery once had a picture hung for a week before someone realized
it was upside down. 
c. This then infiltrated the music and culture. “There are many media
for killing men . . . today. They all operate in the same direction: no
truth, no morality. You do not have to go to art galleries or listen to
the more sophisticated music to be influenced by their message. The
common media of cinema and television will do it effectively for you.” 

—from The God Who Is There p. 41

B. Is it possible there are no absolutes, that nothing is right or wrong?
1. Absolutes are a part of much of our lives. We have absolutes in
math, science, medicine, etc. 
2. We have them in our everyday lives. If I wanted to go Melbourne, I
would not take Interstate 75 because I liked the number. If I did, I
would wonder why I was in Naples. 
3. There are some absolutes in our lives that are extremely important. 
a. If I go and buy two shirts at $20 a piece, I will have strong convictions if I am charged 
$50. To me, 2 + 2 +4 is an absolute I will defend. 

C. If we are willing to accept that God’s word is absolute truth, we must
be willing to accept the results. (1 Pet 1:24-25) “For, “ALL FLESH IS
LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. 
THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, {25} BUT 
THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.” And this is the word 
which was preached to you.”
1. We must believe that Jesus is all He claimed to be.
2. We must accept the reality of sin and the need of salvation. 
3. Life, death and the judgment are real. 

II. THOSE WHO HOLD THESE CONVICTIONS MUST REALIZE THEY ARE IN A WAR.
A. Paul described this conflict. (Eph 6:10-13) “Finally, be strong in
the Lord, and in the strength of His might. {11} Put on the full armor of
God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
{12} For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. {13}
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist
in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

1. We face the devil’s schemes.
2. We struggle with the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.
3. We face the devil’s flaming arrows.

B. We must know our enemies–the devil, the world and the flesh. 
1. The devil is a cosmic force constantly opposed to man.
a. He has helpers Ephesians 6:12
b. The devil has one goal–to cause as many as possible to be lost.
2. We face the world as our enemy. 
a. The world is a mindset opposed to God. 
b. Its goal is to get all to conform. 
c. J. B. Philip’s translation of Romans 12:2 “Don’t let the world
squeeze you into its own mold.”
d. The world calls us to be correct and offend none. (We are to give no
place offense unless our stand for truth offends someone).. The
compelling cry of the world is You have hurt my feelings.”
e. The call is to be politically correct. 
f. So often we hear, ,”I don’t want to be judgmental…”
3. Our third enemy is the flesh. 
a. This is our desires. The goal of the flesh is for us to give in to
selfishness. A woman once called a talk show. She said she had been
married for six months. Her husband had three children by his former
wife, 16, 14 and 1. The woman had dated her husband while his wife was
still expecting. The moderator asked how she could live with a man who
had deserted his family. She said, “He makes me feel good.”

C. If we are right to hold convictions, we must oppose our enemies. 

III. IS THERE ANY HOPE?
A. We must first realize we live in a counter-culture. Christianity
is a culture within a culture. 
1. We are aliens (Heb 11:13) “All these died in faith, without
receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them
from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles
on the earth.”

(1 Pet 2:11) “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain
from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.”

2. We live in a culture and seemingly are no different. Yet we do
not belong here. Like E. T., we want to go home. 
3. We endure what is necessary to get back to where we belong. 

B. There is hope because God is able. (Rev 3:8) “‘I know your
deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut,
because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not
denied My name.”
a. Jesus holds the keys.
b. He opens a door none can shut. 
c. Though we are weak, we will overcome. 

C. We can hear some say, “Won’t this destroy the church?”
1. How valuable is the church which will to accommodate almost every
worldly practice? One which becomes just as preoccupied in material
things.
One that joins the world’s craze for entertainment instead
of worship and service.
One that loves its sexual standards to attempt to attract
the world. 
If the church will not stand for truth and oppose the
world’s mind set, it should be destroyed. Every time the church has
lowered itself to meet the world, the church has lost.

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Hindu nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi said he would be a follower of Christ if it weren’t for Christians And he’s probably not the only one. Why do so many “Christians” so seldom resemble their Lord?

1. Disappointment With God. — Many church people seem to be saying with their actions what they would never admit with their mouths. Even the expressions on their faces suggest that they are unhappy and bored. Their behavior makes it difficult to believe that their faith gives them any real satisfaction. How can others be expected to trust a God who hasn’t lived up to the expectations of His followers? One answer offered by the Bible is that some who claim to be followers of Christ are not authentic. For a while they look genuine. But they are not (Matthew 7:21-23; 13:24-30; 1 John 2:18-19). The infiltration of impostors, however, is not the whole story. The Bible does not hide the fact that real people of faith also have been disappointed with God. Both Old and New Testaments give examples of people who were distraught and even angry with God because He allowed them to suffer circumstances from which they expected Him to protect them (Numbers 14:14; Psalm 73).

2. Distraction. — Under pressure, and even in times of prosperity, real Christians can be distracted from the confidence that their ultimate well-being doesn’t lie in the hands of other people or circumstances. Because of ever-present diversions and distractions, the Bible urges the people of God to renew their minds continually by remembering what God has done for them (Romans 12:1-2). The Scriptures urge believers to keep their hope and faith alive by stirring up the memories of what they already know (see 2 Peter 1:1-15). The reason is clear. A lack of basic Christian behavior can often be attributed to a critical lapse of memory (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).

3. Dangerous Relationships. — Jesus was known by the company He kept. He ate and drank with people with whom other religious leaders wouldn’t think of associating. But Jesus did not eat and drink with such people because He was attracted to their way of life. He did it to be the best friend a sinner ever had. With the wrong motives, the relationships He cultivated would have been dangerous. Without His strong and loving purposes, the accusation that He was a “friend of sinners” would have been more damaging. His own apostle Paul would later write, “Do not be misled: `Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). Even the wise King Solomon paid dearly for such forbidden relationships (1 Kings 11:1-13). The resulting confusion caused him to act like someone who had never known God (Ecclesiastes 1-12).

4. Unchanged Tendencies. — Genuine Christians have made decisions of faith that signal a change of direction in their thinking about God and themselves, but they have not overcome their struggle with self-centeredness. Neither are they morally superior to non-Christians. Their capacity to be self-centered remains unchanged (Romans 7:14-25). The downward pull of desire remains as predictable as the law of gravity. When real Christians stop living under the influence of the Spirit and the Word of God (Galatians 5:16-26), it becomes as natural for them to revert to self-interest as for a kite to drift slowly to earth when the wind stops blowing.

5. Self-Reliance. — The God of the Bible asks His people to trust Him on His terms rather than their own. He urges them not to rely on their own understanding but to use their best judgment and sense of reason to rely on Him. He invites His children to let Him live His life through them. Those who forget this principle of God-dependence fail in practice to distinguish themselves as genuine Christians. Even the original disciples of Christ learned about the danger of self-reliance the hard way. On the night of Jesus’ arrest, one of His closest followers, a tough-minded fisherman named Peter, announced that he was ready to follow his teacher to prison or to death (Luke 22:33). But within a few hours he found himself denying repeatedly that he even knew the Man from Galilee. His mistaken confidence was recorded for our warning.

6. Prayerlessness. — Look-alikes have a reputation for being hypocritical in their prayers (Matthew 6:5-8). People of genuine faith use prayer not as a means of impressing others but as an honest means of giving thanks, confessing sins, and asking for direction and help. They know that prayerfulness is not optional for anyone who wants to develop a personal relationship with God. When followers of Christ do not show their dependence in prayer, they can end up acting like anyone else (James 4:1-6). Jesus warned His disciples about this likelihood on the night of His arrest. Pausing from His own struggle in prayer, He urged, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41). They didn’t understand. They slept instead of praying, and within a few hours all had abandoned Him.

7. Carelessness. — King David was a man of authentic faith. By his love for the law of God he distinguished himself as someone committed to avoiding moral and spiritual failure (Psalm 1; 119:11). The Bible itself acknowledges that he was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). His record of spiritual accomplishments, however, did not keep David from becoming an adulterer and murderer. One night, as others fought his battles, and as he stood in apparent security on his own palace rooftop, David used the power of his office to pursue another man’s wife. In an unguarded moment, David discovered the meaning of the statement, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

8. An Unexamined Heart. — As a teacher of the heart, Jesus reminded us that unexamined motives can result in complicated forms of self-deception. Many years earlier, the prophet Jeremiah acknowledged the dangers of “inner darkness” when he wrote,”The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Modern psychology has confirmed our tendency to avoid emotional pain through subtle forms of transference and denial. It has documented habits of the heart by which we attempt to blunt the pain of real or false guilt. Psychology, however, cannot change the heart. We all have reason to join King David in his prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

9. An Unseen Enemy. — The people of Christ have a spiritual enemy who is attempting to confuse them and neutralize their impact. This adversary is fighting a war of attrition. There are many casualties. Countless numbers of real Christians are rendered ineffective by one who is far more subtle and clever than they think. While he can’t make Christians sin, he and his demons are constantly looking for weaknesses that give him an inroad into the lives of genuine believers (Ephesians 4:27).

10. A Lack of Accountability. — People don’t develop into spiritually mature persons by doing what comes naturally. Neither do they grow in Christlikeness by being left to themselves. Even the strongest Christians were never meant to go it alone. The apostle Paul likened followers of Christ to a human body where all members are dependent on one another (1 Corinthians 12). While many in our day have developed a spirit of independence, such an attitude does not reflect the original intent of Christ for His church. He made it clear that He calls people not only to Himself, but also to one another. You’re not alone if you doubt the genuineness of church people who do not act like followers of Christ. Keep in mind, however, that it’s wrong to assume that people who claim to be Christians aren’t authentic just because their current behavior doesn’t measure up to their claims. While there is never a good excuse for any genuine Christian to live in sin, the fact that God saves people who sin against Him both before and after they believe in His Son is good news for all. If God can save people like this, He can save us as well. He offers forgiveness to all who will acknowledge how wrong they have been to live independently of Him.