The Dangers Of

Convenient Religion

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Deceives Us Into Inaction• As seen in Acts 24:25• Obviously, Felix’s interest was not in

spiritual things Acts 24:26• Nonetheless, he became afraid when

he heard Paul’s preaching

It Deceives Us Into Inaction• As seen in Acts 24:25• He was waiting for a better, or “more

convenient” time• As far as we know, such a time never

came for him cp. 2 Cor 6:2

The Dangers Of Convenient Religion

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Removes Our “Sense Of Cost”• As seen in 1 Chron 21:24• David’s census was sinful vv. 1, 7-8• God gave David a choice re: his

punishment vv. 9-12• David chose a punishment he

deemed “merciful” v. 13

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Removes Our “Sense Of Cost”• As seen in 1 Chron 21:24• Following David’s punishment, he

was commanded to build and altar & to sacrifice v. 18

• He was offered what he would need “free of charge” vv. 22-23

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Removes Our “Sense Of Cost”• As seen in 1 Chron 21:24• David refused Ornan’s offer…he

would not offer God “that which would cost him nothing” v. 24

• We must expect…need to feel a “sense of cost” cp. Lk 14:27-33

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Brings Error, Vain Worship• As seen in 1 Kings 12:25-33• Jeroboam reveals his “real

motivation” v. 27• However, he makes his case to the

people on the basis of “convenience” vv. 28-29

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Brings Error, Vain Worship• As seen in 1 Kings 12:25-33• Compare Jeroboam’s idea to God’s

original commands Ex 23:14-17Deut 16:16

• Convenience not a factor when tribal boundaries set Josh 18:1-6

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Brings Error, Vain Worship• As seen in 1 Kings 12:25-33• Compare Jeroboam’s idea to God’s

original commands Ex 23:14-17Deut 16:16

• “Casting lots” for tribal lands was Divinely controlled cp. Prov 16:33

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Brings Error, Vain Worship• As seen in 1 Kings 12:25-33• It also brought about other erroneous

worship vv. 31-33• “Convenience” is more concerned

about what man wants than what God demands

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Opens The Door To

Compromise• As seen in Ex 10:21-26• The setting is the 9th plague on Egypt• Pharaoh has had Moses on a “yo-yo”• Pharaoh offers to let Moses, Israel go

worship God…only the flocks must remain behind v. 24

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Opens The Door To

Compromise• As seen in Ex 10:21-26• Moses could have seen Pharaoh’s

latest offer as a “small victory”

“All of our families can go…only the animals must stay behind. This might be our best offer.”

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Opens The Door To

Compromise• As seen in Ex 10:21-26• Moses could have seen Pharaoh’s

latest offer as a “small victory”• Moses responds as he should

vv. 25-26

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Opens The Door To

Compromise• As seen in Ex 10:21-26• Moses’ response is especially

impressive considering his earlier weakness cp. 3:10, 13 4:1, 10, 13

• Moses now has grown in courage and conviction

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionIt Opens The Door To

Compromise• As seen in Ex 10:21-26• The “spirit of compromise” is

appealing• When the will of God is at stake, there

is never any room for the “spirit of compromise” cp. Gal 2:3-5 Acts 15

I’ll give a little.”“You give a little…

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• Re: any sermon, the preacher’s task

is to present truth…the audience’s job is to test what is taught & apply it

• I have no desire to be the “judge” of where some need to correct anything this lesson has addressed

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• I’m not calling into question anyone’s

level of commitment• I simply want to remind all of us that

discipleship to Jesus Christ is not based upon convenience…it is entirely based upon conviction

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• There are several areas where we can

apply what this lesson addresses Attending worship

(Regular assemblies, gospel meetings, even Bible classes)

Involvement the work of the church

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• Mt 6:33 serves as a good summary

• Most emphatic word = FIRST• We must prioritize Christ above our…

• …daily concerns Mt 6:25-34• …hobbies, pleasures Lk 8:14• …our occupation Jn 6:27

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• Mt 6:33 serves as a good summary

• Most emphatic word = FIRST• We must prioritize Christ above our…

• …own family Mt 10:37• …own selves Lk 14:26

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• Commitment must be actively present

because Satan brings “inconvenient times” cp. 2 Cor 2:11 11:14-15• He’ll stoop to any level to get us to sin• He’ll use family cp. Gen 3 Job 2• He’ll even use us against ourselves

The Dangers Of Convenient ReligionConclusion• Commitment & devotion is the only

safeguard that will ward off Satan’s advances and keep us from the dangerous compromises of “Convenient Religion”