Union Church of Christ

Matthew 6:1-18

Introduction

1. Ceremony at Eagle Scout Induction - "paper eagle" was burned to signify that this inductee would not be an Eagle Scout in name only.
2. Idea - anything that is not genuine - hypocritical.
3. Are you a paper Christian?
4. Matthew 6:1-18; Jesus makes it clear that we must not be hypocritical.
   1. v. 1-4 - giving alms.
   2. v. 5-15 - praying.
   3. v. 16-18 - fasting.

Discussion

1. A Paper Christian Will not Obey God's Word
   1. James 1:22-24.
   2. Luke 6:46.
      1. We call him Lord in our songs; we call him Lord in our prayers; but do we do his will?
      2. Ex. movie extras - there is no place in Christianity for "extras."
         1. James 4:17.
         2. Luke 8:21.
         3. Luke 11:28.
         4. Matthew 7:21.
         5. John 13:17.
         6. Revelation 22:14.
   3. Ezekiel 33:31, 32.
      1. They LOOK like God's people, but they don't ACT like God's people!
      2. Some act like they have done God a favor by coming to worship!
      3. 1 John 3:18.
      4. James 1:27.
2. A Paper Christian's Religion is Meaningless
   1. We make time for that which we enjoy - fish, shop, TV, golf, ballgame
      1. And yet, worship and Bible study are treated as optional matters.
      2. "If we miss, no problem, we'll go the next time - if it is convenient."
      3. Article - "The Intelligence of Germs."
   2. Since his religion is meaningless, it is easily given up.
      1. A Paper Christian will be unfaithful in worship (Hebrews 10:25).
      2. … will not study his Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).
      3. … will not pray (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
      4. … will not be evangelistic (Matthew 28:18-20).
      5. … will not give liberally (2 Corinthians 9:7).
   3. If your neighbors came by your house tonight at 6 p.m., would they conclude that your religion matters to you?
      1. How will they know? Is it not by means of what you do?
      2. Attendance by itself does not mean that one is faithful, but one cannot be faithful to God if he is not faithful in attendance.
3. A Paper Christian Is Often Unaware That He is a Paper Christian!
   1. Matthew 25:41-45.
   2. Illustration - "You really told them today, preacher!"
   3. 1 Samuel 15:13, 20, 22 - Saul and the Amelekites.
   4. If you have the idea that just being here this morning and taking the Lord's Supper somehow takes care of you for another week - regardless of how you live - you may very well be a paper Christian!
   5. It behooves all of us to examine ourselves in this matter.
      1. 2 Corinthians 13:5.
      2. 1 Samuel 12:1-7 - "Thou art the man."
      3. Preachers - am I sowing the word?
      4. Elders - am I a shepherd of God's flock?
      5. Deacons - am I a servant to the church?
      6. Are you sure that you are not a paper Christian? Questions to help determine (from Hobbs St. bulletin).
4. A Paper Christian Will Cause Others to Blaspheme
   1. Romans 2:24.
   2. This is just the opposite of Matthew 5:16.
   3. Titus 2:5 - whether we have this effect is determined by what we do.
   4. Illustration - Gary Heinemann sought out a co-worker for religious advice because his life was different - by this means he learned and obeyed the gospel.

Conclusion

1. Luke 12:42-48.
2. Note especially v. 48b -
3. Illustration - Businessman who traveled in rural Korea - family plowing without an ox - sold ox to help build church building - business man returned and increased contribution and asked for some work to do at church.
4. Which describes you - are you a paper Christian?