(Clip) Are You Trying to Be Like the World to Win the World
Tim Conway challenges believers to live distinctly from the world by being filled with the Spirit rather than conforming to worldly behaviors, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ through their joyful witness.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a transformed life in Christ, distinct from the ways of the world. It highlights the need to be a light in darkness, not conforming to worldly behaviors like excessive drinking but being filled with the Spirit. The message encourages believers to showcase the joy found in Christ rather than seeking happiness in worldly pleasures, illustrating the power of Christ's transformation in our lives to impact others positively.
Full Transcript
And if you're trying to live as much like the lost world as possible, I just heard recently that some people from this church posted something on social media where a bunch of them were together in a party and they're flaunting all their alcoholic beverages. And I heard one of the reasons set forth is because we're showing lost people that you don't have to give up all these things if you become a Christian. I'll tell you this, if you're trying to live as much like them as possible to show them that becoming a Christian you can be as lost as possible or as close to that line as possible, if you're partaking of the same things, you'll be no rebuke to the darkness.
You won't be able to shine on it. You know what people will say? They're just like us. Nothing to it.
You know what? You don't want to show people that Christianity is not misery. We don't need long faces. But you know where we're going to get to it? Don't be drunk with alcohol.
Be drunk with the Spirit. If you really want to show them where the happiness is found, you show them that you're happy in Christ. Not that you're happy in the bottle.
That's what they do. That's where they run. You're not proving anything to them.
You're just showing you're asleep. And you're not exposing anything. In fact, you're being exposed.
You think about that demoniac. We all would have felt just like him. Lord, let us go with You.
Uh-uh. I want you to go back there. And I want you to go to the saloon and drink as much as possible to show them all how Christianity doesn't make you give up all those things.
What? And you know the thing is, He said you go back there and you tell them what great things the Lord has done for you. What? He's this brand-new convert. What about His qualifications? What about it? No, you know what He's telling them? You go back there and be a light.
You know what He was telling them? I don't need all these lights in this boat with Me. I just did this thing for you. You know where I need that light? Back there in that city.
Why? You know, in eternity, we may find that a number of people back there from His hometown are in glory. Why? Because the Lord sent them back there. There was a mercy to that town.
See, that was kind of hard on the guy. There was a mercy to the town. This man had all sorts of things to tell.
And you know what he didn't do? He didn't go back there and condemn them for their smoking or for their piercings. You get that in the church. It's like no, that's not what he did.
He beat people over the head with that. You just kind of frown at people. Wow, look at that guy.
He's smoking over there. So what? The problem is the guy is headed to hell. There's bigger issues.
Go in there to that town where you had undoubtedly these pagans who were worshiping idols they don't know. And you're like, hey, remember that crazy guy that used to be back in that cemetery breaking chains? Yeah, we remember him! That naked guy up there? Yeah! Hey, that's me. You think that got somebody's attention? Like, wow, tell me what happened.
If he was trying to be as much like his old person as possible to try to impress that, that you don't have to give up much to become a Christian, light goes out. No, he's wanting to show them how radically different Christ made him.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Danger of Trying to Be Like the World
- Conforming to worldly behaviors dulls Christian witness
- Flaunting worldly pleasures contradicts true transformation
- Trying to impress the lost by mimicking them is ineffective
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II. The Call to Be Filled with the Spirit
- Reject drunkenness with alcohol
- Be 'drunk' with the Holy Spirit instead
- True joy and happiness come from Christ, not worldly indulgences
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III. The Example of the Demoniac’s Witness
- He was sent back to his town to be a light
- His testimony focused on what Christ had done, not on condemning behaviors
- His radical transformation drew attention and mercy to his community
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IV. Practical Implications for Believers
- Live distinctly to shine light in a dark world
- Avoid judgmental attitudes over secondary issues
- Focus on sharing the gospel and testimony of Christ’s power
Key Quotes
“If you're trying to live as much like the lost world as possible... you'll be no rebuke to the darkness.” — Tim Conway
“Don't be drunk with alcohol. Be drunk with the Spirit.” — Tim Conway
“You go back there and be a light.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Reject worldly behaviors that hinder your witness and instead seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Demonstrate the joy and transformation found in Christ to attract others to the gospel.
- Focus on sharing your testimony and the love of Christ rather than condemning secondary issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't Christians try to live like the world to win the world?
Because mimicking worldly behaviors dulls the Christian witness and fails to demonstrate the transformative power of Christ.
What does it mean to be 'drunk with the Spirit'?
It means to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, resulting in joy and a life that reflects Christ rather than worldly indulgences.
How did the demoniac’s example illustrate effective Christian witness?
He returned to his town to share what Christ had done for him, shining light through his radical transformation rather than condemning others.
Should Christians judge others for their behaviors like smoking or piercings?
No, the focus should be on sharing the gospel and showing mercy rather than condemning secondary issues.
What practical steps can believers take to live distinctly from the world?
Be filled with the Spirit, avoid worldly excesses, and share the testimony of Christ’s power with others.