Sunday, September 8, 2019 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(30)
Is Your Light Shining In Your Neighborhood?
We
are in the midst of examining how we are to be examples in every area of
our lives. Last month
we focused on social media and the internet.
Today, we want to talk about being a good neighbor and then some
other elements associated with society.
a.
A part of shining as
lights is to win others to the truth.
Our goal is that others will glorify God and hopefully in the
process become His disciples as well.
Matthew 5:13-16 bears this out.
1 Corinthians 14:25 speaks of influence within an assembly.
If the unbeliever comes him, if what he observes is orderly and
truthful, he might be “cut to the heart” and fall down before God and
worship Him.
b.
Your best prospects are
those you are close to. Does
this include your neighbors?
In virtually every study of success in evangelism, the personal appeal
is overwhelmingly the greatest source of prospects, local visitors and
converts (high percentages came as a result of friends and neighbors
inviting them). Consider
that they come where they know somebody.
Of course the exception is when one is looking for something
specific and investigating (often fellow Christians who are relocating,
visiting while in the area, etc.).
c.
But how do you develop
opportunities? It has to do
with being a proper example.
In this case, being a good neighbor.
Consider 1 Peter 3:1-2 which speaks of believing wives with
unbelieving husbands – how can you win them?
By chaste conduct accompanied with fear (reverence).
Let me ask, does that same influence apply in other places?
Does it apply as we mingle in society and in our neighborhoods?
Absolutely.
That is why we are to be examples in EVERY area of our lives.
Philippians 2:15.
a.
Luke 10:27-29.
An occasion where a lawyer tests
Jesus asking him what he needed to do to inherit eternal life.
Jesus asking him, “What does the law tell you to do?”
He replies correctly with the first and second commandments
(Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus
affirms. But then the
lawyer, “seeking to justify himself” asked Jesus, “And who is my
neighbor?”
Jesus proceeds to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan.
In this parable we find our answer to “Who is my neighbor?”
It is ANYONE you come across that you have opportunity to do good
for – physically or spiritually. While
not limited to our neighborhood, it would certainly include that.
b.
Love your neighbor as
yourself
– a statement that quoted several times in the NT.
i.
Consider Matthew 22:39,
Romans 13:9 – all are summed up in this, Galatians 5:14 – law is
fulfilled in one word, even in this…, James 2:8 – fulfill the royal law
according to scripture.
ii.
It is fundamental to
dealings with others. And in a
sense it summarizes everything about how we are to treat our neighbors.
Let the love of a Christian be that which influences how you act
toward others.
iii.
To what degree are we to
show this love? Even as you
love yourself. That ought to
be a pretty high standard. The point is we take care of ourselves and do
what is best for us (cf. Ephesians 5:28-29).
Do we think about that with our neighbors?
a.
Love them as previous
noted.
You realize they have a soul and you ought to be concerned about
that. That is why you let
your light shine. That is
why you try to be the best example you can be to them.
b.
Proper decorum
– be a good neighbor. Well
kept, cleanliness, etc. as much as possible
Are you an asset to the neighborhood?
In many neighborhoods, there are the neighbors who take pride in where
they live, and those who don’t.
Others are somewhere in between.
DON’T be the undesirable neighbor.
Romans 13:13 – walk properly, as in the day.
Properly means characterized by proper manners and conduct.
Found also in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – walk properly toward those
who are outside
(Also 1 Corinthians 14:40 – in the worship, let all things be done
decently and in order).
Do whatever will give you opportunity to let your light shine and
present a positive light of being a Christian.
c.
Be respectful – again, we know of neighbors who live for themselves and don’t care
about how their actions reflect on others.
We have heard of the bad neighbors who are always causing trouble
and are antagonistic.
They engage in bad behavior whether it be ungodly attitudes or sinful
actions. There are neighbors
that no one is sorry to see them go.
That should NOT be the Christian.
i.
Romans 12:17-18 – as
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
ii.
Become “all things to all men” 1 Corinthians
9:19-23 – be aware of their culture, etc. and be respectful of that.
iii.
Watch your attitude – repay no one evil for evil (Romans 12:17), do not avenge yourselves
(12:19). Colossians 3:12 –
put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, etc.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 describes our love.
After mentioning longsuffering and kindness, we notice a number
of “does not” statements – does not envy, parade itself, is not puffed
up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,
thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in truth… and
it never fails.
iv.
Speak truthfully to your neighbor – Ephesians 4:25 – speak truth…don’t lie.
Be honorable and dependable.
Be one that you are known for keeping your word.
v.
Watch your language - Proverbs 11:9,
The hypocrite
with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the
righteous will be delivered.
Proverbs 11:12,
He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a
man of understanding holds his peace.
Do not engage in
ungodliness -
NOTE: Ephesians 4:25-32 give a number of descriptions of behaviors that
govern our lives.
Psalm 15:3 – a quality of those who will dwell in the presence of God.
He does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his
neighbor…
Proverbs 3:29,
Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells
by you for safety’s sake.
Romans 13:10,
Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the
fulfillment of the law.
vi.
Romans 15:2, Let each
of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
This summarizes this point!
vii.
Remember our goal is to
make Christianity as attractive as possible to them.
1 Peter 2:12 – conduct honorable among the gentiles,…by you good
works, perhaps they will glorify God.
d.
Be benevolent
– are you a caring neighbor?
Are you willing to help one who is in need?
Galatians 6:10 – as we have opportunity, let us do good to all.
That was the point of the Good Samaritan.
1 John 3:17-18 – while addressing your “brother in need”, is there an
application for all (especially when we define the question, “Who is my
neighbor?”).
Hebrews 13:2 – do not forget to entertain strangers, they may be
“angels”
James 1:27 – help the needy.
I also think of the compassion of Jesus and what He did for “his
neighbor” – he healed, fed, encouraged, etc.
Many examples in Acts show those who were full of good works – Acts
9:36-42 finds Dorcas (Tabitha) who was full of good works and charitable
deeds. When Peter came, they
showed him some of her labors.
Cornelius was a good man who gave alms generously to the people – Acts
10:1-2. God noticed.
One of the best ways to open doors and become a good neighbor is to help
them in whatever way you can.
WARNING: Don’t let this be the only reason you help them!
Be genuine in this.
e.
Pray for them
– 2 Timothy 2:1-2 – pray for all men.
We constantly mention prayer.
a.
Proverbs 25:17 –
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you
and hate you.
“Don’t wear out your welcome”.
In conclusion I mention this.
Use wisdom in dealing with your neighbors.
You will develop closer relationships with some than with others.
That is ok. But know
when what you are doing is too much.
We
have emphasized how being a Christian involves holy living (set apart
and different). We cannot
emphasize enough how your daily spiritual habits will have an impact on
everyone and everything you do.
People are watching, and at that includes our neighbors.
Is your light shining in your neighborhood?