1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. Why this study? Philippians 2:15
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15
We are living in spiritually dark times
Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13 – written as if for today, as much as in the first 1st century Roman Empire

3. Why this study?
Lights in a Dark World
The Christian’s faith is under attack both without and within
Without – following Christ is becoming increasingly unpopular.
The more we call for uncompromising moral and doctrinal purity, the more we are challenged
To question immoral behavior is considered intolerant, hateful and out of touch
God’s word is “outdated” & “irrelevant”

4. Why this study?
Lights in a Dark World
The Christian’s faith is under attack both without and within
Within – the truth is compromised, and those demanding authority are called legalistic
The church is treated as unnecessary
God’s word is being reinterpreted
The standard of moral living is being lowered or ignored
Discipline is avoided
1 Corinthians 5:1-7, Rev. 2 & 3

5. Why this study? It truly is a difficult time to be a Christian
Lights in a Dark World
It truly is a difficult time to be a Christian
But NOT impossible!
NOR, are the consequences of ignoring our need to be faithful going to diminish Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12

6. Lights in a Dark World Introduction
2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World Introduction
Philippians 2:15

7. Being an example
Lights in a Dark World
The power of example - how are examples described in the NT?
Examples of being examples – both good and bad (Jesus our ultimate example – 1 Peter 2:21)
What does it mean when our light is shining? Matthew 5:14-16

8. Being an example
Lights in a Dark World
What does different look like? Jesus, Joseph, Daniel, Paul, etc.
How is God influencing me? A study of how He is present within us – cf. Romans 8:9

9. Being an example
Lights in a Dark World
Free will – I can choose the path I take, and will answer accordingly
In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation – seeking to understand the times we live in, and the influence of Satan in these times. With this understanding we will be better prepared how to live in these times

10. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Matthew 6:33 – we must consider this in every aspect of our lives?
Spiritually – this is where we will start this part! We have a crisis of spirituality – desire to serve God AND mammon, lukewarmness, compromise, selfishness, preferring the worldly, etc. We must understand what it means to put God first, etc.

11. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Financial – 1 Timothy 6:6-9 – how do our material possessions affect our standing with God?
Our health - cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – our bodies belong to God. We need to take care of ourselves
Our education – 1 Corinthians 3:19 – what wisdom is influencing our decisions?

12. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Our occupation – 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – how should we consider God in the workplace? What part does our occupation have in our lives?
Family – Ephesians 6:1-4, Genesis 2:24 – the family is the foundational unit of society. We will examine the godly family

13. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Within Society – Romans 15:2 – are we the type of neighbors and citizens we ought to be?
Social media – consider the dangers and strengths of social media. It is here to stay, but it must be managed

14. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Our moral standards – one of the best ways we can be an example is by considering moral issues
Modesty
The modern dance
Social drinking
Gambling
Sexuality
Our conversations and language
Our entertainment – at home and beyond

15. Putting God first
Lights in a Dark World
Government – Romans 13:1 What should our attitude be toward the governing authorities, even when they are part of that which is crooked and perverse? Taxes, honor, obeying the laws of the land

16. Shining as lights What does it mean to serve? Including examples
Lights in a Dark World
What does it mean to serve? Including examples
Benevolence – caring for the needy, both our brethren and others
Learning to trust God – 2 Corinthians 5:7 - faith in a crooked and perverse generation
Endurance – we cannot give up
Be holy – what holiness looks like

17. Shining as lights
Lights in a Dark World
Attitudes that turn people off – Phariseeism, binding where God has not, hypocrisy, criticism, uncaring, etc.
Attitudes that win people – self-control, kindness, humility, contentment, patience, sincerity, encouraging words, optimism
Being part of His church – how the local church helps us in this generation

18. Shining as lights
Lights in a Dark World
Treating others the way we want to be treated – Matthew 7:12
Our need for integrity – desperately needed
What does godly sacrifice look like?
What do we do when the world is against us? We need to react properly

19. Shining as lights
Lights in a Dark World
The power of the tongue – language affects influence. James 3:1-12
Our need for courage – needed to stand for right and challenge wrong
Judging according to God’s word – Matthew 7:1-5
How do we treat those in sinful lifestyles? E.g. Homosexuals, MDR, etc.

20. Shining as lights
Lights in a Dark World
Prayer as we live in this dark world – for what should we pray? 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Go into all the world – Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 3:15 – this ought to be a priority as we deal with the world
With a view toward eternity – this world is NOT my home – Philippians 3:20
???

21. Are you ready to let your light shine?