BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT!

                                                                   Ephesians 6:1      

  Introduction:

     A.  If I were to ask you why you obey God, how would you respond?

     B.  Read Ephesians 6:1. 

          1.  What reason does Paul give for children obeying their parents?                           Because it's right.

          2.  Our lesson isn't about children obeying their parents, but about the                     principle that Paul teaches.

  Because its right!

I.  We live in a society that encourages people to ' do their own thing.'

     A.  Marriage or cohabitation?

          1.  Our society says to young couples, if you want to marry, then marry.                  If not, then ' live together.'

          2.  The Hollywood crowd leads the way.

     B.  Respect for authority or rebellion?

          1.  Okay to exercise right to protest.

          2.  Think about Hollywood celebrities who have trouble with the law                         and receive only a " slap on the hand."

          3.  Statements by Jason Cole, "What Hollywood wants you to believe."

     C.  Christianity or Islam?

          1.  Our society says that the religion we have been teaching might not                    be right.  It's not the only acceptable religion.

          2.  Article, "Gideons Face Discrimination."

          3.  Article, "God ousted in San Diego classroom."

II. What does the Bible teach about these practices?

     A.  Marriage or cohabitation?  Galatians 5:19,21 ;  Hebrews 13:4

           1.  Marriage is honorable.

           2.  Cohabitation is condemned.

           2.  JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT.

     B.   Respect for authority or rebellion?   Romans 13:1-5

           1.  Respect is obedience to God.

           2.  Rebellion is condemned.

           3.  JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT.

     C.   Christianity or Islam?  Romans 1:16-17 ; John 14:6 ; II Thess.1:7-9

           1.  Christianity is only system by which God saves.

           2.  Therefore, Islam does not save.

           3.  JUST DO WHAT RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT

Conclusion:

      A.  What does the Bible teach about cohabitation, rebellion and rejecting                 Jesus?  Condemnation.

      B.  Read I Corinthians 6:9-11

      C.  These people repented, accepted Christianity, and were forgiven