MAN--THE GREAT OBSTACLE TO SAVING OTHER MEN

I. INTRODUCTION-- Text: Romans 1:18-25, 2:1-5, 17-24
A. Man has not only destroys himself through sin, but has HINDERED the salvation of others. Luke 11:52, Matthew 23:13
B. Man can hinder others both indirectly and directly.
1. A bad example has a leavening quality. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
2. Men can also be active false teachers. 1 Peter 2:1-2

II. LESSON-- Texts: Jude 3-4, 10-11, 17-21; Hebrews 12:14-16

A. The "way (HODOS, path) of Cain." Genesis 4:1-8
1. New Testament comments on Cain. 1 John 3:11-12, and compare Hebrews 11:4
2. Man creates an obstacle for himself, and everyone he influences, by choosing his own way. Romans 10:1-4

B. The "error (PLANEI, wandering) of Balaam." Numbers 22:31-35
1. Balaam "loved the hire of wrongdoing." 2 Peter 2:15
2. Others follow his example.
a. "In covetousness shall they (false prophets) with feigned words make merchandise of you..." 2 Peter 2:3
b. Other examples. 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Titus 1:10-14
3. Shepherds of the church are to avoid this pitfall. 1 Peter 5:1-2

C. The "gainsaying (ANTI-LOGIA, contradiction) of Korah." Numbers 16:1-3
1. The process and result of Korah's "gainsaying."
a. Ringleaders "swallowed up"--Korah, Dathan, Abiram.
b. Their followers perished with them--250 princes.
c. Their "sympathizers" (14,700 of them) died of plague from murmuring against Moses and Aaron.
2. NT examples of gainsaying. Acts 13:44-46, 20:29-30
3. What to do about the gainsayer.
a. Patiently bear his opposition. Hebrews 12:1-3
b. Prepare to convict them. Titus 1:9
c. In "gentle, forbearing, meekness correcting them that oppose them selves." 2 Timothy 2:24-25

D. The "profanity (BEBEILOS--lawful to be trodden) of Esau." Genesis 25:27-34
1. We are to avoid his brand of profanity. Hebrews 12:16
2. How can we be profane? Hebrews 10:26-31

III. CONCLUSION-- 2 John 6-11