BALANCED CHRISTIANS?

INTRODUCTION-- Daniel 5:1-9, 17-31

1. Belshazzar was "weighed in the balances (against Nebuchadnezzar) and found wanting." See also Psalm 62:9, and Job 31:6
   
2. We are often disgusted with extremists on either end of any "spectrum" (political, economic, social, moral), and ask for "balanced men." But are we certain this is what is best? What, if any, is a proper balance?
   

LESSON--

1. Between KNOWLEDGE and IGNORANCE? Ephesians 4:17-24
   
   1. A lack of knowledge can be catastrophic. Romans 10:1-3
      
   2. Sometimes "knowledge puffs up." 1 Corinthians 8:1-11
      
   3. Knowledge needs to grow for our protection. 2 Peter 3:15-18
      
   4. We need to be knowledgeable. Colossians 1:9-10
      
2. Between BELIEF and UNBELIEF. Mark 9:17-25
   
   1. When dealing with the Godhead, unbelief can be devastating. Hebrews 3:14 15
      
   2. There are other ways that unbelief can be manifested.
      
      1. When we fail to do some moral obligation. 1 Timothy 5:8 "But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
         
      2. A professed believer's works can prove to be unbelief. Titus 1:15-16
         
   3. We are to "be not faithless, but believing." John 20:24-29
      
3. Between REPENTANCE and IMPENITENCE. Romans 1:28-2:6
   
   1. When we are "carnal" and fail to repent, we cause grief to self and others. 2 Corinthians 12:20-21
      
   2. We need to be motivated more by "godly sorrow." 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
      
4. Between OBEDIENCE and DISOBEDIENCE. Ephesians 5:3-12
   
   1. Sinning puts us in the class of the "sons of disobedience" (vs. 6), but we should be "children of light" (vs. 8).
      
   2. Paul's aim was to "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"---and "avenge all disobedience." 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
      

CONCLUSION-- In every Christian there is a measure of ignorance, unbelief, impenitence, or disobedience, but there is no "balance" to be desired. We must continue to grow to perfection in Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, and Obedience.

We should say,
"I know, Lord, help thou my ignorance."
"I believe, Lord, help thou my unbelief."
"I repent, Lord, help thou my impenitence."
"I obey, Lord, help thou my disobedience."

APPEAL-- Philippians 3:12-16