The Right Way
Text. 2 Peter 2:15.
Introduction: Christianity is very properly held forth by the term "Right Way." In the text Peter speaks of those who refuse to walk in the "right way," as having forsaken it.
In this lesson we will leave the persons of whom the apostle speaks, and call upon you to think of yourselves in your relation to the "right way."
I. First, Inquire What Is The Right Way.
A. Before one can walk in this way, he must have a knowledge as to what it is.
1. If one errs here the labor of advancing will be in vain;whatever progress is made will only lead in the wrong direction and terminate in disappointment and regret. (Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:21-23)
2. It will be not only disappointing, but terrible to be turned away from the expectation of heaven into the depths of hell. Yet, this will be the case of many.
B. In a thing of so much importance, there should be no satisfaction of mind without certainty; and certainty is attainable.
1. God will accept no excuse for being mistaken as to the "right way." (Isa. 35:8; John 7:17; 6:44, 45)
C. After learning what the right way is....
II. Enter It And Walk Therein.
A. Paul writes of some who have a "form of godliness" but who "deny the power thereof." There is also a "form of knowledge," and it is regrettable how many there are who are content to rest in it alone.
I. Many are familiar with truth, and they will hear the gospel, but obey it not. Not simply knowing but doing is required. (John 13:17)
2. Acquaintance with truth, if it has no influence over one, will be worse than nothing. (Jas. 4:17; Lk. 12:47) One is to both ask and "walk." (Jer. 6:16)
III. Turn Not Aside To The Right Or To The Left.
A. There are mistakes and extremes of an opposite description; and we must not suppose that in going froth one side we are in no danger from the other. All extremes are dangerous; and truth and duty usually lie in between. (Prov. 8:20,21)
1. We ought to pray for the sick, however, we are not to suppose that prayer alone is all that is necessary. We are taught to pray for the salvation of sinners, but prayer alone will not save them.
2. Parents are not to foolishly indulge their children, neither are they to provoke them to wrath.
3. Some depend on faith only, and others seemingly on works without faith. It is faith and works. (Gal. 5:6)
IV. Get As Many As You Can To Accompany You.
A. Moses said to Hobab, (Num. 10:29) Many have begun alone, but constancy of life and devotion to duty have influenced others to join their company.
1. To be the instrument of winning one soul is a greater privilege than to be a king... (John 1:40-46) This is the spirit of the religion of Christ.
B. The true child of God will not be content to travel alone to the home of the soul, but will say to all he meets, "Come thou with...."
V. Go On Your Way Rejoicing.
A. So did the Ethiopian eunuch after his obedience. You have the same source of joy open to you that made him to rejoice.
Conclusion: Exhort to obedience, then constancy in service. — P. O. Box 72, Newbern, Tennessee