Penetrating A Materialistic World

As Christians, we are to impact non-Christians with our life-style, both personally and corporately. No aspect, however, is illustrated more specifically and graphically in the New Testament than the way we view and use our material possessions. How does our view of material possessions influence the way non-Christians view our relationship with Jesus Christ?I.        Encouraging Faith in ChristII.        Verifying God’s TruthChristians who are unselfish and benevolent become a unique verification to non-Christians that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God (Acts 9:32-43).III.        Practicing A Biblical Work EthicChristians should work hard to provide for their economic needs so that they are not criticized by unbelievers for being lazy and irresponsible (I Thess. 4:11-12).IV.        Breaking Fellowship With Lazy ChristiansChristians should separate themselves from other Christians who are persistently irresponsible in not providing for their own economic needs (2 Thess. 3:6).V.        Serving Employers With Diligence And Right MotivesChristian employees should work hard and serve their employers (both Christians and non-Christians) as if they are actually serving the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).VI.        Treating Employees Fairly And With DignityChristian employers should always treat their employees fairly in every respect (Colossians 4:1).

Penetrating a Materialistic World

On a scale of one to ten, circle the number that best represents how well you believe you practice the biblical principles found in each question.1.        Are people in my community coming to know Jesus Christ because they see me demonstrating unselfish and generous use of my material possessions to further the kingdom of God?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        102.        Do I actually reach out and help in material ways people who may actually resent me or the message of Jesus Christ?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        103.        Are the acts of benevolence and love by me impacting the non-Christian community with the message of the gospel?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        104.        Do I maintain a strong work ethic so as to be a good example to those in the community who do not know Christ?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        105.        Do the leaders at Grace Church apply principles of church discipline, in this case, as it relates to Christians who are lazy and irresponsible?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        106.        Do I perform my vocational tasks as if I were actually serving Jesus Christ?        VERY LITTLE        SOMEWHATVERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        107.        Do the Christian employers in our church treat their employees in the same way they would like God to treat them?VERY LITTLE SOMEWHAT EXTENSIVELY1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        10