Beth-El Baptist Church

07/06/2008

Greg Tomlinson


What should we do about a friend who continues in sin without concern saying they are saved and eternally secure?


Associated with the doctrine of eternal security comes some with a nonchalant attitude toward their own sins. They believe that since they are saved that they can do anything that comes to their own minds without having to worry about any consequences. Friends with this attitude will care less what we have to say about sin and they instead rest in their profession of faith.


  1. What can we surmise about them?

2 Corinthians 12:20-21 Galatians 5:19-21

Ephesians 4:17-24 1 Peter 4:3-5

Jude 3-4 1 John 2:19

Revelation 2:9; 3:9 1 Corinthians 4:2-4

Matthew 7:21-23


It is important for everyone to understand that just because someone says they are a Christian does not mean that they are one. It is equally important that it is not them nor us who determines whether or not they are a Christian. The reality of their Christianity rests with their relationship with Jesus Christ. Within their relationship with Jesus Christ is an expectation of change. Since we are imperfect, we can be assured that Jesus did not save us to leave us where he found us but to move us forward.


  1. What are some aspects of life that will be associated with true faith?

1 John 5:3-4 Romans 8:29-30; 12:1-3

Exodus 16:28 Leviticus 22:31-33; 26:3-6

John 14:15; 15:10 1 John 4:20-21

1 Timothy 6:11-12 Galatians 5:22-24

Colossians 3:1-4


A true believer recognizes that he is the servant of Jesus Christ and as a servant of Jesus Christ, he is to seek to be a proper representative of Him. The Christian is being continually reshaped by God to become more like Jesus. As a result of this reshaping, the believer needs to continually monitor his life to see if he is becoming more like Jesus. The desire of the Christian is to desire to honor God through his life and that entails a desire of keeping the commandments of God. This is a desire that is not just stated but lived out in actions as wanting to know and obey the Word of God. The desire is to become Holy even and God is Holy.


  1. What kinds of things should we evaluate with a brother who is nonchalant about his sins?

1 Corinthians 6:9-12; 8:9; 10:23 Romans 5:20-6:2

Hebrews 10:26-29 John 15:19-20

1 John 2:15-17 Galatians 2:4; 5:13-14


The first thing that needs to be evaluated is whether or not his actions are actually sinful. We need to remember that faith in Jesus Christ has set the Christian free. This is not a “license” to live according to the desires of the flesh of a man. The Christian is to live after the desires of the heart of God. If the brother is unconcerned about sin in their lives, meaning they acknowledge their actions are a sin against God but they have no interest in changing since they “believe in Jesus Christ”, they can be asked the same question that Paul asked concerning a man's sin. Should we, as a Christian, continue living a life of sin? (Romans 6:1). Those who willfully sin have in effect indicated that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is insufficient for their salvation, so now where do they propose to turn? (Hebrews 10:29 – This is not to be confused with loss of salvation).


  1. What words of truth should be given this brother?

2 Corinthians 13:5 Ephesians 4:1-3

Colossians 1:9-11 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Revelation 3:4-5 Ephesians 5:8-11

1 John 1:6-10 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 11:1


The issue at this point is one of identity. He that belongs to Jesus Christ will desire to have a life that brings honor to Him. The believer will want to live a life that is worthy of being associated with the name of Jesus Christ, a life that is in the presence of Jesus' marvelous light of truth, honor, integrity, and humility. The believer needs to be reminded to examine his own life to see whether he truly believes or is just pretending.