Mind Your Manners

I.          I’m not the first to notice, and certainly not the last — our people have become quite rude

             A.         Rudeness is glorified on television. You would think the only way to get kids to laugh is to be crude.

             B.         I realize that standards for polite behavior change over the years, but we seem to pursue the impolite, just because we can.

II.         Disrespect is a problem that will not go away

             A.         During the fall of Israel, Jeremiah laments that the people are disrespectful to the elderly

             B.         In describing the decay of the Gentile society, Paul note that people were insolent or despiteful (literally, insulting), haughty or arrogant, boasters - Rom 1:30.

             C.         In describing the character of the last days, we learn that people will be hostile to virtue - II Tim 3:3

             D.         It is foolish to think that our society could ever be above these things for long.

             E.         Yet, while it will not disappear, Christians must work to stem the tide. We are to be the shining lights in a dark world - Phil 2:15

                          1.          Being Christians is to leave the world behind - Rom 13:12-14

                          2.          We are to be different, to stand out because we do things the right way - Eph 5:8

III.        The duties of a Christian - Rom 13:7

             A.         Meanings

                          1.          Tribute - personal or property taxes for living within a country

                          2.          Custom - tolls and fees

                          3.          Fear - to hold in awe, to give respect

                          4.          Honor - to esteem or hold in honor, to prize

             B.         We have a duty to not only pay our taxes, but to give the proper respect and honor to those who deserve it.

                          1.          I Pet 2:17 - Honor all men

             C.         Respect for our bosses

                          1.          Eph 6:5 - Treat them as if we were working for Christ himself

                          2.          I Pet 2:18 - Respect the position, even if the boss is bad

             D.         Respect for leaders - I Pet 2:17

             E.         Respect for parents

                          1.          Eph 6:2 - A command with promise

                          2.          Matt 15:3-6 - The Jews looked for excuses to avoid this law

             F.         There are three levels of action

                          1.          Disobedient - Not doing what you are told

                          2.          Obedient without honor - Doing, but grudgingly because you have to

                          3.          Obedient with honor - Doing willingly and without grumbling

IV.       Tact is the opposite of the insulting

             A.         Col 4:6 - Speech well seasoned, with grace

             B.         Eph 4:29 - No corrupt talk, but what will improve others

             C.         Eccl 10:12 - The words of the wise are gracious

             D.         Prov 16:21-24 - Consider the sweetness of your words.

             E.         At times hard things must be said, but it must be done well to be accepted.

V.         The world may be rude, but be shining lights and mind your manners.