I will outline the message in two parts. You will find an outline for the first part of the message today and the second part tomorrow:
From Hollowness to Holiness
(John 1:48). Jesus liked Nathanael because of who the man was when alone/ in secret.
It is important that Jesus likes our life when we are in our secret place.
It is important that Jesus likes our life when we are in our secret place.
The way we live our life when no one sees us will determinine whether we are Hollow or Holy Christians.
The Characteristics of Hollowness:
Hollowness:
Focuses on a Place
RESPECT AT CHURCH-Old Testament Jews, at some points in their history, showed respect for God when at the temple but that was only a formality.
It is not enough to show God respect when at church because we don't spend all of our time at church. We need to respect Him at work and at home etc.
EXPERIENCE AT CHURCH - The Corinthians experienced God at church (see 1 Cor. 14) but they had serious problems in their personal lives (see 1 Cor. 1; 1 Cor 5; 1 Cor 6).
It is not enough to lift our hands in worship during a church service; we must experience God in the quietness of our room.
Focuses on People
WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK-
(Galatians 2) Peter, the great Apostole, was controlled by the opinion of his brothers and acted in hipocrisy, being afraid of what they would think.
We often fall into the trap of living out our walk with God in such a way as to be approved by man.
We often fall into the trap of living out our walk with God in such a way as to be approved by man.
WANTING RECOGNITION -
Matthew 23:5...The Pharisees were always serving to make sure others saw their actions.
Sometimes our serving is conditioned upon whether people see us or reward us.
Focuses on Performance
There are individuals that try to show God how holy they are. There are at least three types of performers.
RESTRICTIONS - Some, through their restrictions, try to show God and others how holy they are and even make the claim that if everyone does not practice their restrictions, those individuals are hell-bound.
MINISTRY - Some, use ministry, as a tool to show God and others how great they are. They visit the sick, Evangelize, sing in the choir etc. in order to prove their holiness.
PERFECTION - Some try to make their services, their worship time, their messages perfect and try to impress God in this manner.
All three of the above performers push God out of the picture and try to do things in their own strength, something that is not Biblical.
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