PLEASURE AND RECREATION
Introduction:
1. In the lives of our young people a great question is whether or
not they can participate in certain activities.
2. It is an extremely important question to answer, one that can
determine our welfare while here in the flesh, to saying
nothing about our eternal destiny.
3. Those who are older need to assist as much as possible. We need
to guide, to be an example, show them how to live, etc.
4. Many times it is a most difficult situation; with so many
influences pulling at our young people: TV, FASHIONS, THE
GROUP, HOLLYWOOD, UNTAUGHT FRIENDS (?), etc.
5. The cry of the day is REBELLION: Thus the way we wear our hair,
the way we dress, the way we speak, much is the result of a cry
against AUTHORITY. Don't tell me what to do!!!!
6. The Bible, God's Word, does not condemn recreation -- IT SIMPLY
SETS RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR IT.
7. The human mind needs relaxation; the body needs exercise. But,
take care that your recreation is not antagonistic to the
principles of Christ Jesus.
8. When you are confronted by certain recreation or pleasures,
ASK YOUR SERF THESE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
I. WILL IT HARM MY BODY:
1. Rom. 12:1 -- Bodies a living sacrifice. God desires that our
bodies be kept pure for His service.
2. 1 Cor. 6:9-11 -- Body is not to be used for self-
gratification. WASHED, SANCTIFIED, JUSTIFIED. Made clean by
the blood of Christ.
3. Many things which young people do (and older ones) are
harmful to the physical body.
4. Not always seen outwardly or immediately, effects slow.
5. Many things can effect you EMOTIONALLY for the rest of your
life. Petting, promiscuous relationships, may seem innocent,
but emotional strain will have its damaging ends.
6. Drinking, smoking, dope, LSD, fun pills, Ecstasy, etc. All of
these eat away at the body, slowly, but surely. And years are
taken from you.
7. Do not let anyone tell you, "One little pill will not hurt,"
or "One little puff can do no harm." Young people, don't you
believe it, that's the devil's message. He would destroy
your body, as he destroys your soul.
II. WILL IT HARM ME SPIRITUALLY??
1. Gal. 6:7-8 -- sow to flesh, reap corruption; reap what's sown
2. If one satisfies the fleshly desires, the spirit suffers.
3. Pleasures of the flesh---condemnation of the soul.
4. That which causes you to sin will cause your soul to die.
5. Lewd, pornographic books and motion pictures. The X-rated;
the PG-13 rated; R-rated; all of these should be like waving
a red flag of danger.
6, They cause us to THINK evil, sinful desires.
7. Today: if Hollywood wants to make a million, just made a
trashy, drunken brawl, with cursings and seductions; stamp it
ADULT and sit back and rake it in. And sadly, some of God's
children feast on these things. Young people watch out!!! Do
not be deceived into thinking it will not hurt you.
III. WILL IT HARM MY INFLUENCE???
1. 1 Cor. 10:32-33--"not seeking mine own profit" -- THEY.
2. Rom. 14:21-- Not good to do anything that would cause brother
to stumble.
3. 1 Tim. 4:12 -- "be an example, in word, manner of life, love,
purity, etc.
4. Matt. 5:16 -- Let your light shine. Are only adults to let
their light shine? You, too, are to be shining lights.
5. You who are younger can encourage your parents to be more
faithful, more dedicated, more zealous, etc.
6. It is very important that we do not harm our influence.
Though young in years, you CAN influence others.
IV. IS IT QUESTIONABLE???
1. 1 Thess. 5:22-- "abstain from every FORM of evil..."
(K.J. "appearance" reasonable doubt, questionable.)
2. Gal. 5:20 -- "And such like" Revellings, parties where
drinking and dancing is found.
3. It does not take long before your deeds are know by all.
Thus, your influence is damaged.
4. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT IN YOUR MIND, DON'T DO IT!!!
5. Cf. Young boy asked his mother if his shirt was dirty.
Mother, "Yes." "But, you didn't look at it." "If you doubted
whether it was clean, it must be dirty." SO IT IS!!!
V. WHAT DOES IT USUALLY LEAD TO???
1. Prov. 21:17--"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. He
that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich."
2. Luke 12:19-- Rich man tore down his barns, built larger. His
pleasure was in his grain, material satisfactions.
3. Luke 15 -- Prodigal son, wanted freedom from restraint.
Freedom from restraint makes one a slave to the pig-pen.
4. There are many things which may seem so innocent, but which
leads to tragic ends when followed.
5. The way we dress in public can causes others to sin, and can
very easily bring us into a sinful relationship.
6. Early dating, going steady, many things approved of by the
masses, can very easily lead to wrong actions.
7. What a tremendous responsibility of parents.
IV. DOES IT PLEASE GOD???
1. This is the final measuring standard.
2. Take care that our recreation is pleasing in God's sight.
3. "Should I Go?" Article, 20th Cent. Christ, Sept 51, pg 29.
Conclusion:
1. You who have obeyed the gospel have a great responsibility.
2. If you have not obeyed, why wait until the best of your life is
gone?
3. Does your life please God???
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