Why Isolated Christianity Doesn’t Work

The Standard (1:27a)

• Jesus didn’t forgive all of your sins so that you would live for Him halfway.
• My decisions should be affected by if they are worthy of Jesus and not if they are witnessed by others.
• The plural “you” can’t live worthy if the singular “you” doesn’t do your part.

The Supporters (1:27b)

• “Standing firm” – Like soldiers aligned together for battle, we ought to share a singular goal for victory.
• “Striving side by side” – Like athletes competing together, we must remember that our individual efforts affect the team dynamic.
• A church will never completely unite under preferences; we must be guided solely by the gospel.

The Opponents (1:28-30)

• Our opponents not only want to come against us but also between us.
• When we stand firm together, it signals to our enemies that our hope in salvation is greater than our fear of suffering.
• We will all experience suffering, but we don’t have to face it alone.
• You cannot obey all the one anothers in the Bible by attempting discipleship alone.
• Isolated Christianity doesn’t work because He has made the Church necessary for our growth.
• How connected are you to the Body of Christ right now?

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