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Attitudes

Contents

  1. Attitudes
  2. Some Scriptures Related to Attitude
  3. An Attitude Adjustment?
  4. Attitudes Toward Attendance
  5. Attitudes Toward Stewardship

1. Attitudes

ATTITUDES by Rich Wilkins

ATTITUDE isn't simply a state of mind ... it is also a reflection of what we value.

ATTITUDE is more than just saying, "I can"; it is really believing you can. It requires believing before seeing, because seeing is based on circumstances, and believing is based on faith.

ATTITUDE is so contagious especially when we allow it to turn our doubts of the past into passions of today and set the stage for our tomorrows. We have total ownership of our attitudes. No one else has the power to alter our attitudes without our permission.

ATTITUDE allows us to become more empowering than money, to rise above our failures, and accept others for who they are, and what they say. It is more important than giftedness and is the forerunner of all skills needed for happiness and success.

ATTITUDE can be used to build us up ... or put us down - the choice is ours. It also gives us the wisdom to know that we can't change events of the past. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me ... and 90% how I respond to it ... and it is with this state of mind that I remain in charge of my

ATTITUDES.

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2. Some Scriptures Related to Attitude

Proverbs 23.7 --For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.

1 Corinthians 3.18 --Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.

Galatians 6.3 --For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

James 1.26 --If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Proverbs 27.19 --As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man.

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3. An Attitude Adjustment?


INTRODUCTION


  1. There are a lot of people in this world who need an "attitude adjustment." Do you know some?

  2. Do THEY know they need an attitude adjustment? Most who need it don't know it!

  3. Do YOU need an attitude adjustment?


  1. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT"?


    1. "Attitude" is a pre-disposition, a mind-set, mental stance, perspective, outlook, readiness to move or act in a certain way (optimism, pessimism, faith, etc.).

    2. Bible words like "mind", "spirit", "heart", etc. sometimes used to mean attitude (Philippians 2:5; 3:15; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:7 Romans 1:2l, 28; 8:5).

    3. What sort of attitude needs adjusting? Does yours?

  2. HOW CAN YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT?


    1. Remember: most who need it, don't know it! (1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 6:3; James 1:26)

    2. Demands a critical self-examination (2 Corinthans 13:5).

    3. This, in turn, demands a thorough knowledge of what your attitude should be! (2 Corinthans 10:12; Colossians 1:9-12)

    4. All of this demands humility and submission! (1 Corinthans 8:1, 2; Philippians 2:3-5; Ephesians 4:2)

  3. HOW CAN YOU CHANGE A BAD ATTITUDE?


    1. Clearly, deep faith in Jesus Christ has a decisive impact on the way you think. (Romans 8:1-7; Philippians 2:3-5; 3:15; Colossians 3:1-3)

    2. Affected by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17; Colossians l:9; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16)

    3. Put off the old; Put on the new. (Ephesians 4:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

    4. "Think on these things" (Philippians 4:8)

    5. Pray for God's help (Hebrews 4:15-17; Ephesians 6:18)




CONCLUSION:

As a man thinks, so is he. An attitude adjustment will help us get along better with others. But, more importantly, it is God's Will!

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4. Attitudes Toward Attendance


INTRODUCTION

  1. Christians are often encouraged by preachers or elders that we should attend every meeting of the church ... but many still don't. Why is this? Do we not understand? Do we not believe God's word?

  2. Or, is it that we just have the wrong attitude? It is true that before we can obey God successfully in anything, our attitude must be correct. What is your attitude toward attending worship, Bible classes, other fellowships?



  1. ATTITUDE OF COMPULSION

    1. Christians attend assembly because they are commanded to --


      1. By Implied Command -- 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; Hebrews 10:25; James 4:17

      2. By Example -- Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11


    2. But the compulsion for the Christian is more than just "force" -- our compulsion is from LOVE -- 2 Corinthians 5:14

    3. Secular things may entice many to be drawn to other places, but the Christian will desire to be present at ALL meetings because of his love for the Lord -- John 14:15.

  2. ATTITUDE OF POSSESSION


    1. Some attend the assembly upon the basis that they are members of the organization assembling - they profess to be members of the church.

    2. But Christians are brought here because they truly understand they are the Lord's possession -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Acts 20:28.

    3. The community doesn't own you ... your employer doesn't own you ... your family and friends don't own you ... Christ owns you and He demands first place in your life - Matthew 6:33; 22:37.

  3. ATTITUDE OF SURVIVAL

    1. One of the strongest desires we have is the desire for self preservation - or survival. Such should also be true of our spiritual well-being. Spiritual life is sustained by spiritual food Matthew 4:4. "Without me, ye can do nothing" -- John 15:5.

    2. Hearing the Word of God, while worshiping God or attending Bible classes, supplies spiritual needs which can be supplied in no other way. It gives us strength to overcome evil in our lives day by day.



CONCLUSION

With the proper attitude, would we purposefully miss the assembly of the church?

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5. Attitudes Toward Stewardship


INTRODUCTION

  1. Stewardship: responsibility use properly everything that God has placed under our care. Time, Effort, Means.

  2. The Bible teaches us to give of our means and how to use that gift as a congregation for his cause.




  1. GIVING


    1. What is tithing and are Christians required to tithe?


      1. Tithing is an Old Testament practice: a specific percentage with specific purposes.

      2. Today tithing is used to justify the special priesthood/clergy concept and to coerce adherants to give of their means to support that clergy.

      3. "Tithe" refers to one-tenth or ten per cent, but the Law of Moses commaded that there were to be up to three tithes each year.

    2. Christian Giving


      1. Attitude Adjustment #1: God owns it all anyway, God owns you, too!

      2. Attitude Adjustment #2: Give of entire self first, then give 2 cor. 8:5

      3. purposed and proportional 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Cor. 16:2

      4. not under compulsion 2 Cor. 8:3; 9:7

      5. on the first day of the week 1 Cor. 16:1-2

      6. lay by in store -- a treasury 1 Cor. 16:2

  2. SHARING THE GOSPEL


    1. Evangelism


      1. Paying the Preacher


        1. Philippians 1:5

        2. Philippians 4:15-18

        3. 1 Corinthians 9


      2. Outreach: gospel meetings and other opportunities

    2. Material things


      1. Bible class materials

      2. Tracts and BCC's

      3. The Building


        1. 1st century Christians met in individual's houses

        2. today we have a collective house in which to meet, study, serve, etc.


    3. THE COLLECTION


      1. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

      2. Acts 2:45

      3. Acts 5


    4. BENEVOLENCE


      1. 2 Corinthians 9

      2. Attitude Adjustment #3: Give because Christ gave. 2 Corinthians 8:9


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