VIRTUE: THE KEY TO UNITY AND CIVILITY

Fourth of July Message

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Sunday, July 3, 2022

“WE hold these trusts to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

-Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

(Galatians 2:16, Message) “We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule-keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ.”

(Galatians 5:13, NLT) “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

FREEDOM DEMANDS A VIRTUOUS LIFE.

(Philemon 14, CEV) “But I won’t do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do.”

1.  Virtue leads to Humility.

(Philippians 2:1, CEV) “Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.”

a.  Encouragement is found in Christ.

(Romans 15:5–6, NLT) “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

b.  Comfort flows from love.

(1 Corinthians 13:1, NLT) “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

c.  God’s Spirit unites us.

(Ephesians 4:3, NLT) “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

d.  Be devoted to one another.

(Romans 12:10, GW) “Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.”

2.  Focus on Christ.

(Philippians 2:1, CEV) “Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.”

a.  The mind of Christ.

(1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT) “By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, … live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

b.  The love of God.

(John 17:26, NCV) “I showed them what you are like, and I will show them again. Then they will have the same love that you have for me, and I will live in them.”

c.  The encouragement of Christ.

(Hebrews 10:25, CEV) “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.”

3.  Unity leads to Joy.

(Philippians 2.2, PT) “I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.”

GROWTHWORK

(1 Chronicles 29:11–13, NLT) “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!”

1.  Worship God who endowed us with certain inalienable rights.

2.  Acknowledge that everyone and everything belongs to God.

3.  Acknowledge that all we have comes from Him.