Wordly or godly?

Sometimes it is difficult to discern worldliness (either because of the complexity of the issues involved, or because of the deceitfulness of our own hearts).  Are we expressing appropriate freedom and liberty that God has granted us to enjoy — or are we engaging in activity that is in fact worldly?  Or perhaps the better question is, are we choosing something that honors the world and the world system, or are we choosing something that reflects and prizes the glory of God?

To help believers think through these issues, C.J. Mahaney put together a number of questions that will help believers evaluate whether something really is glorifying to God.  [These questions are part of a larger document, “Half a Poison Pill Won’t Kill Me,” which is part of a series of sermons entitled “Worldliness.”]

1.  Does it present a temptation to sin?

Romans 13:14  “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
2 Timothy 2:22  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

2.  Is it beneficial?

1 Corinthians 6:12a  “‘Everything is permissible for me’ — but not everything is beneficial.”
1 Corinthians 10:23  “‘Everything is permissible’ — but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive.”

3.  Is it enslaving?

1 Corinthians 6:12b  “‘Everything is permissible for me’ — but I will not be mastered by anything.”

4.  Does it honor and glorify God?

1 Corinthians 10:31  “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

5.  Does it promote the good of others?

1 Corinthians 10:33  “even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

6.  Does it cause anyone to stumble?

1 Corinthians 10:32  “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God”

7.  Does it arise from a pure motive?

Jeremiah 17:9  “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”