SPIRITUAL ANEMIA

  Introduction

        A.  Anemia is an illness that affects many people.

              1.  Definition:  “A condition in which the red corpuscles of the blood are

                    reduced in number or deficient in hemoglobin.”

              2.  Symptoms:  “Pallor, shortness of breath and palpitation of the heart.”

        B.  Just as some people are physically anemic, there are Christians who are

              spiritually anemic.

              1.  These Christians are spiritually sick instead of being spiritually healthy.

   Body

   I.  Spiritual anemia afflicted Christians during the first century.

        A.  The church at Rome.  Romans 14:1-5

        B.  Christians at the church in Corinth.  1 Corinthians 11:30

        C.  The church at Thessalonica.  1 Thessalonians 5:14

  II.  There are anemic Christians today.

         A.  They have a divided allegiance.  Matthew 6:24

         B.  These Christians have a lukewarm devotion.  Revelation 3:14-16.

         C.  They have lost their appetite for the food of God’s word.  Hebrews

               5:12-14

         D.  These Christians have a weak conscience.  1 Corinthians 8:10

  III.  What is the proper attitude for the church toward anemic Christians?

          A.  Receive  them.  Romans 14:1; 15:7

          B.  Don’t despise them.  Romans 14:3

          C.  Don’t offend them.  Romans 14:13,21

          D.  Don’t dispute (argue) with them over doubtful things.  Romans 14:1

          E.   Bear with them.  Romans 15:1

          F.   Edify  them.  Romans 14:2,9

          G.   Teach  them to become healthy.  Hebrews 5:12- 6:3

          H.   Model  spiritual maturity.  Romans 14:7; 15:1

  IV.  What should the anemic Christians do?

          A.  Repent (Revelation 3:19), ask God’s forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9) and be 

                determined to become a healthy child of God.  John 15:5-9                                               

   Conclusion: Jesus, the Great Physician, can heal all our diseases.

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