150906 AM Is the Church Overprotective

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).