Bethel Baptist Church of St. Johns

The return of Christ is near, bringing vindication. Therefore, we can stop insisting on our every right -4-5-

How the nearness of Christ overcomes the challenges of life--1. The nearness of Christ is grounds for great and constant rejoicing -4---2. The return of Christ is near, bringing vindication. Therefore, we can stop insisting on our every right -5---3. The presence of Christ means the peace of God is only a prayer away, so we can be anxious for nothing -6-7-

Keys for restoring broken relationships--1. Challenge and exhort those involved -2--2. Use a mediator -3a--3. Recall earlier accomplishments -3b-

III. Applying the principle of Christian liberty -10-1-11-1--A. Misuse of liberty can disqualify us from effective service to Christ -1-13--B. It is not a moral issue to eat something offered to an idol, but it is a serious sin to engage in any form of idol worship -14-22--C. The principles for using Christian liberty to the glory of God -10-23-11-1--1. Edification over gratification -10-23---2. Others over self -10-24---3. Liberty over legalism -25-27---4. Condescension over condemnation -28-30---5. The purpose of using our liberty carefully and selflessly is to glorify God -10-31-11-1-

I. The principle of Christian liberty -8-1-13--A. Love sets the limits of Christian liberty. Our rights end when another person is offended.--II. Illustrating the principle of Christian liberty -9-1-27---A. Christians have certain rights -1-18---B. Christians exercise their liberty by giving up their rights to win others to Christ -19-27-

Before we exercise our Christian liberty in a given area not forbidden by Scripture, we should consider how it will affect others, especially our fellow believers.

-3-1-4-1- Steadfastness Against Opponents-1. Resisting the Opponents' Fleshly Confidence -3-1-16--2. Resisting the Opponents' Fleshly Behavior -3-17-4-1---5 encouragements to resist fleshly behavior-A. Resist fleshly confidence -3-1-16--B. Follow the apostolic pattern -3-17--C. Avoid those who do not cherish the cross -3-18-19--D. Citizenship and resurrection motivates Christlikeness -3-20-21--E. The church can remain spiritually stable -4-1-

-3-1-4-1- Steadfastness Against Opponents-1. Resisting the Opponents' Fleshly Confidence -3-1-16--2. Resisting the Opponents' Fleshly Behavior -3-17-4-1--5 encouragements to resist fleshly behavior-A. Resist fleshly confidence -3-1-16---B. Follow the apostolic pattern -3-17---C. Avoid those who do not cherish the cross -3-18-19---D. Citizenship and resurrection motivates Christlikeness -3-20-21---E. The church can remain spiritually stable -4-1-

5 encouragements to resist fleshly behavior-A. Resist fleshly confidence -3-1-16--B. Follow the apostolic pattern -3-17--C. Avoid those who do not cherish the cross -3-18-19--D. Citizenship and resurrection motivates Christlikeness -3-20-21--E. The church can remain spiritually stable -4-1-