AM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3.7-13

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

FUNCTIONAL ATHEISM

Introduction:

1. Literal atheism denies the existence of a creative God and embraces evolution. Functional atheism behaves as if there will be no personal accountability to God!
2. Historically, many of the Israelites during the days of Moses were nothing more than Functional Atheists! (Heb. 3.7-13)
3. Is this possible among us today?

FUNCTIONAL ATHEISM: THE DANGER OF UNBELIEF

1. “Unbelief” is fundamentally defiance against God and is the root of every kind of sin there is! (Heb. 3.7-13)
   1. Did Israel stop believing in the existence of God?
   2. Functional atheists ignore accountability!
2. Is it possible for brethren to fall prey to this?
   1. V. 12: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”
   2. Just stop doing the important things – the right things: Bible study, prayer, involvement with brethren, etc.

THE APPEARANCE OF FUNCTIONAL ATHEISM

1. The mere “appearance of godliness” is a type of functional atheism. (2 Tim. 3.1-7)
   1. Their characteristics become obvious. (Vs. 1-5)
   2. They have a selfish motive. (V. 6)
   3. They learn much, but not the truth! (V. 7)
2. Functional atheism is seen in a variety of ways.
   1. Functional atheism denies the divine inspiration of Scripture and its inerrancy. (2 Tim. 3.16-17; Matt. 4.4)
   2. Functional atheism is seen when people stop listening to God’s Word. (Rom. 10.17; John 6.68)
   3. Functional atheism occurs when God’s moral standards are challenged & changed. (Rom. 1.26-32; 3.3-4)
   4. Functional atheism appears when excuses are made for participating in unauthorized practices. (Matt. 7.21-23)

Conclusion: Literal atheism is troubling, but functional atheism, which operates under the guise of religion, can be more troubling because of its deceptive nature!