PM Scripture Reading: Colossians 2.4-10

Brent T. Willey

SECULARISM & SOCIAL DECAY

 Introduction:

1. Secularism [Latin: “of the age”] means, “indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations” (Webster). First used by George J. Holyoake in 1851, but the concept is age-old. (E.g., Gen. 3.12; 4.9; 6.5; cf., Col. 2.8)

2. Secularism opposes the biblical principles of Christianity.

THE IDOLATRY OF HUMAN PRIDE

1. A classic human problem!
   1. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 11.1-9)
   2. The sins of the Gentiles. (Rom. 1.18-32)
   3. Pride stands in the way! (Acts 28.26-27)
2. What about today?
   1. Beware of “science falsely so called” (1 Tim. 6.20).
   2. Idolatrous icons: Atheism (Eph. 2.12; Rom. 1.20); Evolution (Psa. 100.3; Isa. 64.8); Humanism (Jer. 10.23; Prov. 14.12); Moral Relativism (Deut. 12.8; Rom. 1.28)

THE FRUIT OF DISBELIEF

1. What benefits have come from secularism? None!
   1. Apparent “good works” come from biblical principles.
   2. E.g., the phrase, “Golden Rule” – (Matt. 7.12).
2. Think about the 250 years since the “Age of Enlightenment.”
3. Secular failure gives Christians the opportunity to propose the only viable solution: FAITH! (Isa. 1.16-19; Ezek. 33.11)

THE BLESSING OF BELIEVING

1. Faith in the Lord versus faith in social and natural forces. (See Psa. 102.25-28)
2. Biblical faith is the only solution! (Rom. 10.17; John 6.68)
3. The approachable God! (1 Pet. 5.6-7; 2 Tim. 3.16; John 3.16; Isa. 55.6-11;Matt. 11.28-30;Titus 2.11-14;3.3-7; Acts 22.16)

Conclusion: Put your trust in God – not secularism!