Weightless Faith
Philippians 3:17-21
Is the Christian life only about avoiding wrong? Is an “Avoidance” lifestyle all that God expects of us or is there more? Like bringing Glory to God in faith by taking action! Serving others! We hear Jesus say “My yoke is easy, My burden is light” (Mt. 11:30). And we choose to run with that “easy” life! We love to forget that He also said, ““If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt. 16:24). I encourage you to self-evaluate this morning. How much does your faith weigh?
1. Clean Noses & Quality Family Time isn’t Your Cross!
a. How many people go through life believing that Christianity means to avoid sin and
provide for the family? I suggest this idea is barely even Christian!
b. Luke 6:32-34, Matthew 5:40-48
c. This avoidance ethic by itself is not Christ-honoring or God-glorifying! There are
many disciplined unbelievers who avoid the same behaviors Christians avoid!
d. Yes, it is right to abstain from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride
of life – 1 John 2:16, Luke 17:7-10
e. But one cannot wrap himself in avoidance and somehow think he is carrying a
cross for Christ! God calls for our all – Mark 12:30, Galatians 2:20
f. Those awaiting destruction are not all committing grievous sins - Philippians 3:17-21
2. Identify the Weight of Your Faith
a. You’ll know so much about your faith when you consider the reasons behind the
actions you take. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
b. The questions you ask yourself identify the weight of your faith.
Avoidance ethic asks: Why not? What’s wrong with this movie? Music? Games?
These friends? What’s wrong with the way I choose to relax?
WHY SHOULDN’T I DO WHAT I WANT!! – James 3:15-16
c. These questions all come from a mind-set of avoidance! It turns faith into a
checklist of do’s and don’ts and misses the point of self-sacrifice & adoration -
Philippians 3:7-9
d. Illus. – Jacklyn Lucas, “Flags of Our Fathers”
e. A heavier faith asks: How will this help me treasure Christ? How will it help me to
show others that I treasure Christ above all? How will this activity help me know
Christ or display Christ to others? How can I portray God as glorious in this
action? How will this action advance the cause of Christ? – James 3:17-18
These questions are asked from a positive, faith-filled desire to reach
heaven. – Colossians 3:16-17
3. What Do You Want Out Of Life?
a. Do you want to stand before the God of the universe and say, “I spent every night
playing games and watching TV with my family because I loved them so much!”
God will probably say, “That didn’t make Me look like a treasure to your neighbors.
You should have done something besides just provide for yourself and your loved
ones!” - Matthew 23:23-28
Conclusion:
1. We were created for more. Your life can mean so much more. When you choose
to invest in the Spiritual you choose a weightier faith! Romans 10:17
THIS SERMON WAS BUILT ON THE IDEAS EXPRESSED IN JOHN PIPER'S BOOK "DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE"
