| Is the
Church Overprotective? A. We’ve been
taking a serious look in recent weeks at serious questions that many grapple
with. B. Our aim has been to open God’s word together in search of rock-solid
truths that can providestability to all generations (Matt 7:24-25). C. This morning: “Is the church
overprotective?” I. Why Would We Even
Speak of “The Church” and Being “Protective” in the Same Context? A. The “good shepherd” who laid down his
life for the sheep warned his sheep about dangerous _________________ (John
10:1-21; Matt 7:15; 24:23-24). His inspired messengers warned of: 1. Fierce wolves (Acts 20:29-30) 2. False teachers (2 Pet 2:1-22) 3. Deceitful workmen (2 Cor 11:4, 13) 4. False brothers (Gal 2:3-5) 5. False knowledge (1 Tim 6:20-21) 6. Contrary gospels (Gal 1:6-12) 7. Those who cause divisions and create
obstacles (Rom 16:17-18) 8. Those who go beyond the teaching of Christ (2
John 9-11) B. On top of these
dangerous influences, sheep are also prone to ______________ (2 Tim 4:4) and
_______________ (Heb 2:1). II. In His
Wisdom, God Instituted the Church as a Source of Protection for His
Sheep A. He has given what we need to
_________ and stand strong (Eph 4:11-16).
B. The chief Shepherd has given human __________________ a tremendous
responsibility(1 Pet 5:1-5; Heb 13:17; Acts 20:28). C. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we
have a protective _________________ toward each other (Heb 10:19-25; Jude
20-25). |
