AM Sermon 11/2/14: “Good Enough”
AM Scripture Reading: Romans 3. 9-18
Brent T. Willey
“Good Enough” (?)
Introduction:
- A common thought in the minds of many people when it comes to religion is: “I don’t need God; I’m ‘good enough.’” Or as a man once told his Christian wife: “I don’t need God in my life. I’m a good person.”
- According to human standards, many people have lived seemingly good lives and are considered as “good people.” But they don’t understand…
- In his epistle to the Romans, Paul addresses humanity’s dilemma:
- Chapter 1: Enumerates the sins of the Gentiles (vs. 18-32).
- Chapter 2: Reiterates the sins of the Jews (vs. 1-29).
- Chapter 3: Concludes, “All have sinned and fall…” (v. 23).
- Chapters 4-5: Justification is only possible “by faith” (5.1).
- Chapter 6: Only God’s gift overcomes our sin (vs.22-23).
- Rom. 3.12: “They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Rom. 3. 10-18; cf., Psa. 14.1-3; 53.1-3; Eccl. 7.20).
- “Good enough” is the wrong attitude regarding spiritual matters.
“GOOD ENOUGH” DEFIES HUMILITY
- Since everybody makes mistakes and are flawed because of sin, only the arrogant would claim, “I’m good enough.”
- “There is none who does good, no, not one” (Rom. 3.12).
- According to Jesus, who is “without sin” (John 8.7)?
- Some are self-deceived. (1 John 1.8-10)
- To whom will God give “grace” (James 4.6-10)
“GOOD ENOUGH” DISMISSES GRACE
- To announce, “I don’t need God; I’m good enough,” is to totally depreciate God’s saving grace!
- Make no mistake; we need God’s grace…
- It is “amazing grace”! (Eph. 2.4-10)
- God has provided His grace for all! (Titus 2.11-14)
- Why? Not because we were “good enough,” but because of our sin!
“GOOD ENOUGH” EMBRACES MEDIOCRITY
- The very tenor of the statement, “I’m good enough,” evokes the acceptance of mediocrity.
- Spiritual excellence should be our desire at all times!
- Jesus wants us to strive for perfection. (Matt. 5.48)
- Heb. 6.1: “let us go on to perfection (maturity)…”
- Paul said we are to “seek to excel…” (1 Cor. 14.12).
Conclusion: A rich young man once asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19.16). Only Christ has the answer…
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