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Sunday, March 10, 2019 pm

AM I OPEN MINDED?

When we hear the term, “open-minded” today, what we usually think of is someone who is accepting of those who are different.   That is certainly the view that is being taught and even demanded today in our society.  In fact, one who dares to question the morals or beliefs of another is often called “closed-minded” or intolerant.  And the inconsistency of this attitude is often that “open-minded” advocates close their minds to those who dare to disagree with them.

Even in the religious world, as is typical, we are seeing the influence of society, as more and more so-called churches are calling for an open minded acceptance of those who believe differently.  Ecumenicalism is the mantra of the day.   And if you dare to question such a stand, you are branded as “closed-minded” or legalist or Pharisaical, etc. 

We have learned from scripture that we must stand for the truth, regardless of what others think of us.  BUT, is there a sense in which we do need to be open minded?  The answer is: Yes!  We should have a disposition that desires to accept whatever we learn to be the truth, even if it means that we need to change.  So in this lesson I want to address this.

 I.                     The Closed-minded

a.       As we are examining this subject, the closed mind is one who refuses to even consider that he might be wrong.  Or if he is presented with facts that convict, he refuses to change anyways. 

b.       Reasons for being closed minded:

                                                   i.      They don’t want to face the possible consequences of change – alienating friends and family, having to adjust the way they do things, etc.

                                                 ii.      They are fearful of instability.  The Bible speaks of those tossed to and fro (Ephesians 4:14-15).  While change ought to come with caution, we should NEVER use that as a reason to not even consider other possibilities

                                                iii.      They really don’t care or are not interested in investigating to determine the truth.

                                                iv.      They are satisfied where they are.  They just don’t want to change. 

c.        Examples of the closed minded

                                                   i.      The Jews who rejected Jesus – Matthew 13:11-15 – Jesus noted why He taught in parables.  Because many had stopped their ears and shut their eyes. 
John 12:37-43 states this clearly, noting that in spite of all Jesus did, they did not believe Him.  AND even among those who believed, many would not confess him because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
In fact, they were so closed-minded that they determined to have Jesus executed.  Again John 11:47-50, after the raising of Lazarus, we find their motives.  Vs. 53 – they plotted to put Him to death from that day on.  AND, John 12:10-11 shows how they even plotted to put Lazarus to death.
THEN there was the trial and events leading to Jesus’ condemnation – letting Barabbas, a murderer go in His place, and refusing to consider Pilate’s pronouncement of innocence. 

                                                 ii.      The Jews who rejected Stephen – Acts 6:8-15 records Stephen preaching powerfully about Jesus and performing many signs and wonders.  Because they could not resist his teaching, they have Stephen arrested and falsely accused of blasphemy.
Acts 7 records Stephen’s sermon in which he eventually challenges their corrupt and murderous ways (7:51-53).  Acts 7:54-60 records how they were cut to the heart and gnashed at him with their teeth.  They stopped their ears and ran at him and cast him out of the city and stoned him to death.  Saul participated by watching their clothes laid at his feet.

                                                iii.      The Jews who rejected Paul’s teachings – continually, as Paul preached and taught, he was resisted by many Jewish leaders. Especially when Paul challenged them to be accepting of Gentiles as well. 
Acts 17:1-5 – in Thessalonica, Paul preaches and some Jews, as well as a great multitude of Greeks and some of the leading women were persuaded.  Vs. 5 notes that the Jews were NOT persuaded, becoming envious and stir up a mob to turn against Paul and even Jason, who had apparently harbored them in his house.   Paul has to leave the city and goes to Berea.  A study of Acts finds this to be a recurring even.

                                                iv.      Demetrius in Ephesus – Acts 19 records Paul in Ephesus, where he stays for 2-3 years.  He has success, even correcting and converting some of John’s disciples, and many in the city believed and confessed their sins.  Thousands of dollars of magic books were burned and the word prevailed.  But Acts 19:23-33 tells of Demetrius, a silversmith, whose trade included making shrines for the great goddess Diana.  He gathered together his fellow tradesmen and stirred them up, along with many in the saying, because their idolatrous livelihood was in jeopardy.  The result was a near riot, and ultimately Paul leaves the city after this. 

                                                  v.      The rich, young ruler – Matthew 19:16-26 – he comes to Jesus inquiring what he needed to do to inherit eternal life.  He did MOST of what he was to do, but he was not willing to give up his wealth to follow Jesus.  He went away sorrowful.  You have here a closed mind because it meant change and sacrifice.   

 II.                   Open-minded

a.       To be open-minded, as we have noted, is one who is willing to listen and consider what is said, even to the point of changing if he is convinced that is what is needed. 

b.       This is NOT one who takes change lightly, but he wants to go to heaven.  He/she wants to obey God.  There are many passages of scripture that describe this obedience – Matthew 7:21, 26-27 – the wise man that built his house on the rock; Hebrews 5:9 – Jesus became the author of salvation to all who obey Him; 1 John 2:4, He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him., etc.

c.        We also have many examples of those who were open minded. 

                                                   i.      On Pentecost – Acts 2 – a large crowd was gathered and wonders happened.  As Peter is preaching that Jesus is Lord and Christ, many were cut to the heart and asked what they needed to do.  Peter told them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), and some 3000 responded that day (2:41).  This was the beginning of the church.

                                                 ii.      The Eunuch of Ethiopia – Acts 8:26ff.  Philip is sent to meet him and joins him in the chariot.  The eunuch is studying from Isaiah 53 and asks Philip to explain.  He does, and the Eunuch is accepting to the preaching of Jesus, which included water baptism.  He responds immediately, “What is hindering me from being baptized?” (vs. 36).
We have here a ready and willing mind.  Likely, a Jewish proselyte whose ready to change.

                                                iii.      Cornelius and his house - Acts 10 records his conversion. Vs. 1-4 records that he was good man that feared God.  Being instructed by an angel he sends fpr Peter.  When Peter arrives, Cornelius explains what happens.  Here’s his final statement to Peter that leads to the sermon,  So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” (Acts 10:33)

                                                iv.      The Bereans - Acts 17:11.  After Paul leaves Thessalonica, he comes to Berea where we read, These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.  Fair-minded – means open minded.  NOTE that this was not a blind acceptance, but they SEARCHED the scriptures to verify. 

d.       So, am I open minded?

                                                   i.      What is my attitude when I study the Bible?  Do I study with the intent to learn and apply it.  Or do I seek to apply what I want it to say.

                                                 ii.      Do I really want to study with others that disagree with me doctrinally?

                                                iii.      Am I more concerned with being right with God or accepted by men?

                                                iv.      IF, in my studies with someone, they showed me definitively that I had been practicing error, would I be willing to change?

                                                  v.      Are there subjects I avoid because of what learning about them might mean?

                                                vi.      Do I have the heart and attitude of David? Psalm 139:23-24,  Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

                                              vii.      Do I trust God more than men? Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Yes we need to be open minded, as we have noted in this study.  Not open to anything and everything, just for the sake of peace, but open minded to doing what is absolutely necessary, whatever that might be.  So are you open minded?  Think about it.

Taken from a lesson by Willard Conchin, (I Can Do It – Sermon Outline Booklet)