Things Christians Do Without Thinking First…

I. Introduction:

A. We must use self-control (Galatians 5:22-25; cf. Proverbs 16:32; 25:28).

1. When we’re assembled (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 and I Corinthians 14:40).

2. When we’re not together (Romans 13:14 and I Corinthians 9:27).

B. As Christians, we ought to think before acting (Proverbs 4:13-15; 4:25-27, and II Corinthians 10:5).

1. Everything we do has consequences (Hosea 8:5-7; 10:12-13 and John 5:28-29).

2. Our actions impact others too (Proverbs 28:10 and Philippians 4:9).

a. Are we considerate (I Corinthians 8:12; 10:24; 32-33)?

b. Do we care about the blood of other’s on our hands (Matthew 27:15-25)?

II. Body: Our “brethren” don’t consider some things they say or do (Isaiah 1:2-4).

A. Brethren talk, talk, talk, but don’t listen (Proverbs 17:28 and James 1:19).

1. We have to be students before teachers (Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 19:20-21, Colossians 1:9-11, and I Timothy 4:13; 16; cf. Matthew 15:14).

2. Do we listen (Proverbs 2:1-2, Acts 28:25-27, and II Timothy 2:7)?

B. Brethren fail to consider their words (Proverbs 13:3 and Matthew 12:35-37).

1. We must control our tongues (Proverbs 10:19; 15:28; 18:7).

2. If we talk about things without knowing the facts, that becomes a credibility issue (Proverbs 12:19-23 and Ecclesiastes 10:12-14; cf. I Timothy 6:3-4).

3. Teachers who know nothing (I Timothy 1:5-7 and James 3:1).

a. Those that claim they’ve “converted” someone (Romans 1:16).

b. Where does God get His glory if preachers and teachers are worshipped for “their abilities” (I Corinthians 10:31)?

C. Without thinking, brethren downplay serious matters (Hebrews 12:25-29).

1. Downplay the seriousness of sin (Proverbs 14:9 and James 1:14-15).

2. Downplay the seriousness of teaching (Ezekiel 3:17-18 and Acts 20:26-27).

3. Downplay the seriousness of repentance (James 4:8-10; cf. Ezekiel 33:10-16).

4. Downplay the seriousness of false doctrine (II Timothy 2:14-18, Hebrews 13:9, and II Peter 2:1-3).

III. Conclusion:

A. Let’s listen to God (Proverbs 4:20-21).

B. Stop and think, before you act (Haggai 1:5; 7).

© 2007 This material may not be used for sale or other means to have financial gain. Use this as a tool for your own studies if such is helpful! Preachers are welcome to this work, but please do not use my work so that you can be lazy and not do your own studies. – Brian A. Yeager