The Call to Non Conformity
John Stott passionately calls the church to embrace a radical nonconformity by resisting worldly pressures and faithfully embodying holiness and truth in a pluralistic and materialistic culture.
This sermon emphasizes the challenges faced by the church at the end of the 20th century, focusing on the need for radical non-conformity in the face of pluralism, materialism, relativism, and narcissism. It calls for the church to be a community of truth, simplicity, righteousness, and love, ultimately striving for Christlikeness in all aspects of life.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Double Calling of the Church
- Live and serve in the world without contamination
- Reject escapism and conformism
- Develop a holy worldliness
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II. The Biblical Call to Nonconformity
- Examples from the Law, Prophets, Jesus, and Apostles
- Be different from surrounding culture
- Be holy as God is holy
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III. Contemporary Challenges to the Church
- Pluralism denies absolute truth
- Materialism suffocates the spirit
- Ethical relativism erodes moral standards
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IV. The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
- Incarnation: fully God and fully man
- Atonement: God bore our sin on the cross
- Resurrection: Jesus defeated death forever
Key Quotes
“All Christians know that the church has a double calling. On the one hand, to live and serve in the world. And on the other, not to be contaminated by the world.” — John Stott
“Do not be like them. Five monosyllables. There are the Pharisees, the hypocrites, there are the pagans around you.” — John Stott
“Because in no other person than Jesus of Nazareth did God first become human in his birth and then bear our sin in his death and then triumph over death in his resurrection, he is uniquely competent to save.” — John Stott
Application Points
- Resist cultural pressures that compromise Christian integrity and testimony.
- Embrace a lifestyle of simplicity, generosity, and contentment to counter materialism.
- Affirm the uniqueness of Jesus Christ with humility while engaging respectfully with diverse beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John Stott mean by 'radical nonconformity'?
He means the church must resist conforming to worldly values and instead live out holiness and truth as a distinct Christian community.
How should Christians respond to pluralism?
Christians should humbly affirm the existence of absolute truth revealed in Jesus Christ while respecting others, rejecting the idea that all beliefs are equally valid.
What is the danger of materialism according to the sermon?
Materialism distracts believers from spiritual priorities, leading to covetousness and a loss of contentment and generosity.
Why is Jesus Christ considered unique in this sermon?
Because of his incarnation as fully God and man, his atoning death bearing human sin, and his resurrection conquering death, which no other religion claims.
What practical lifestyle does Paul recommend to combat materialism?
Paul encourages simplicity, generosity, and contentment with basic necessities rather than covetousness.