Socially Responsible

City Church of Chattanooga
Series: WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?
Message Thirteen: Socially Responsible
Pastor Mike Chapman
Hebrews 6:1, Let us go on to maturity.
Today, we bring this series of message to a conclusion. We will
focus our attention on the last of the eight characteristics of spiritual
maturity—social responsibility.
Throughout history, an authentic faith has been marked by a
compassion response toward those the world tends to forget. We, a
followers of Jesus, are called to dignify them by caring for their condition,
and whenever possible, reaching out to them on God’s behalf.
THE COMPASSONATE PLAN OF GOD
The Ideal of God’s People.
Deuteronomy 15:7-11, If there is a poor man among your
brothers…do not be hardhearted or tight-fisted…Be openhanded
and freely lend him what he needs…Give generously to him without
a grudging heart; because of this, the Lord will bless you in all your
work and in everything you do…(NIV)
God’s people were to take an active role in defending the poor.
Proverbs 31:8-9, Speak up for people who have no voice, for the
rights of the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for
the poor and destitute. (Message)
A truly spiritual person is a compassionate person.
Proverbs 14:31, You insult your Maker when you exploit the
powerless. When you’re kind to the poor, you honor God.
Jeremiah 22:16, ‘He (Josiah) defended the cause of the poor and
needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me,’
declares the Lord. (NIV)
THE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY OF JESUS
The definition of his ministry
Luke 4:16-12, The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to preach the
Good News to the poor, so that the captives will be released, that
the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their
oppressors. (NLT)
Jesus’ ministry was intensely focused on the disenfranchised, the
leftovers of society, and the social outcasts.
Holiness is not just about what we do not do. What matters most is
what we do.
Sins of omission are every bit as offensive to God as sins of commission.
James 4:17, Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then
not do it. (NLT)
THE COMPASSIONATE EXAMPLE OF THE EARLY CHURCH
The words of the apostles:
Galatians 2:10, They suggested that we remember the poor, and I have
certainly been eager to do that. (NLT)
Hebrews 13:3, Don’t forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as
though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being
mistreated, as though you feel the pain in your own bodies. (NLT)
1 John 3:17, If anyone has enough money…and you see a brother or
sister in need and refuses help—how can God’s love be in that person?
(NLT)
James 1:27, Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God means that we
must care for orphans and widows in their troubles…(NLT)
They urged discernment in our acts of mercy.
2 Thessalonians 3:10, Whoever does not work, should not eat. (NLT)
Our mercy must not be an enablement to sin.
The Gospel without social action is like a spirit without a body. Social action
without the Gospel is like a body without a spirit. One is a ghost, and the other is
a corpse

Series: Where Do You Go From Here? - City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN