If this lesson applies to you: Apply it. If not, then pray that those to whom it does apply will heed it and apply it.

Introduction Revelation 3:1 Church at Sardis was dead. Two ways in which a church can die. 1. Cease to exist (disbands, breaks up, various reasons not in the control of the members. 2. Dies inwardly Some of these things that kill a church are:

Persecution More like the fear of persecution We Should Expect it. 1 Timothy 1:13 1 Peter 5:6-9 Persecution was taking place in the first century. To Kill A Church

1 Peter 4:12 What matters is how we respond to it. Some are silenced by persecution John 12:42-43 Our future as a church depends on each individuals reaction to persecution. James 1:2-3 Matthew 5:11-12

False Teaching Satan has used this tactic effectively. Revelation 2:13-14 But we have to figure out why false teaching could take place so close to the Apostles and their doctrine being preached. To Kill A Church

The church has good defenses when the attack comes from without, but we are vulnerable when the attack is from within. Test everything, person, teaching, etc. 2 Corinthians 13:5 test yourselves 1 John 4:1 test the spirits 1 Thessalonians 5:21 test all things.

To Kill A Church How to fight off the attack from within. Hold to sound doctrine 2 Timothy 4:1-4 The job of the preacher is to teach the truth. Good preaching should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable (Marshall Keeble).

Worldliness We must know what it is. The love of everything in the world. 1 John 2: The world wants you to be happy, and to be happy, you must drink beer, romance the ladies, take what you can get, lie, cheat, or steal. To Kill A Church

It chokes the work of the word in your life. Luke 8;14 Too many Christians do not bring fruit for God because they are too busy trying to bring fruit for themselves. The answer and remedy? Matthew 6:19-21 lay up treasure in heaven. Romans 12:2

To Kill A Church Indifference or Apathy Subtle yet very effective tactic of Satan. Even attacked the first century churches. Revelation 2:4; 3:15-17 We do not have to oppose the church to kill it. Just be lazy and indifferent.

To Kill A Church What are the symptoms? Irregular attendance at services. Lack of participation in the services, Lack of bible study or giving Lack of effort to help save souls.

To Kill A Church The antidote Do good. Galatians 6:9-10 Diligence. Hebrews 6:11-12 Be Steadfast 1 Corinthians 15:58 Encourage one another. Hebrews 10:23- 25; 3:12-13

To Kill A Church Conclusion There are more than 100 ways to skin a cat. Doesn’t matter to the cat, the end is still the same. There are many ways to kill a church. Doesn’t matter which method is used, but the end result is Satan’s victory. Now, what are you doing to kill or save this church?