10 Commandments of Church Effectiveness

In Doctrine Show Integrity

Most of us fear lonelinessWe don’t like to be singled outWe don’t like to be mocked or

unpopular.

What will we do to be accepted?

•Most of us will do almost anything to be liked.•We want to be popular or in the “in” crowd.•It can control our thinking•…the clothes we wear•…the cars we drive•…our behavior

•The Problem:

•The crowd almost never stands for righteousness. Are we ready to stand alone?

Commandment #3 – Defining Integrity

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:7-8

APHTHORIAN – That which is sound, uncorrupted, not rotten

Sets the tone for the commands Paul gives to TitusSet an example of goodnessShow integrity in teachingIn speech show seriousness and soundness HUGIE – HYOO-GEE-A – that which is

sound, healthy, wholeReason: So the opposition will have nothing

bad to say about us.

Colossians 3:17

•And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

A Reliable Foundation for Integrity

•Psalm 5:4-8 --

You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make straight your way before me.

A Sound, Wholesome, Ethical Foundation

Psalm 15:1-5 – Who can dwell with God?Blameless walkRighteous actionsSpeaks the truthDoes not slander or wrong a neighborDespises the vile, honors the righteousKeeps oathsDoes not accept bribes (INTEGRITY)

1 Peter 1:14-16 -- As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.“

Integrity is completenessAn undivided characterComplete devotion to God

James 4:8

•Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Maintaining Integrity in an Unwholesome World

•Psalm 22:16 Dogs have surrounded me;        a band of evil men has encircled me,        they have pierced my hands and my feet.

•We MUST have a willingness to stand singularly.

Psalm 119:1-3

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.They do nothing wrong;        they walk in his ways.

Unwavering devotion to God’s way