October 24, 2020

UNKNOWN GOD: WHO MAKES THE RULES?
(REASONING WITH THE RELATIVIST)
October 25, 2020
Charles Billingsley

Is there someone in your inner circle who will argue with whatever is said, perhaps just to show you are wrong? If so, how do you handle it?

Open:

Today we continue to look for “gods” in our lives—those things that can take the place of loving Jesus Christ first and foremost. Some of us may not even know the full scope, but relativism is taking over America and we need to understand it thoroughly. It is a topic that can be uncomfortable, as it is not really a “god” as much as a philosophy, and involves the way people think. Do you ever hold your tongue in the name of “toleration” rather than speaking the truth in love? While it may make your own life more peaceful by not speaking out at all, it may imply to others that you agree with what is occurring, and may build up their platform. What can we do?

Key Verse: Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Focal Passages: Col. 2:8; Isa. 5:20-21; Eph 6:13-16; Prov. 14:12; Matt. 10:16; 1 Pet. 3:15; Acts 17:16-17; John 14:6, 8:31-32; Rom. 3:23, 6:23, 8:2.

What is Relativism

• Webster defines relativism as “a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them.” Can someone define “moral relativism”? What is wrong with the statement, “There is no absolute truth”?
• How can someone believe the statement that what may be truth for you may not be truth for them? What word sums up relativism in God’s sight?

Wake up

• Read Col. 2:8. How do we recognize relativism so we can talk to our neighbors and loved ones about it? Where do we find it in our world today?
• Read Acts 17:21. Is relativism new to our generation? Why do you think it has taken so long to get deep roots of it buried here in America? How was America protected in her early days as a nation? What were some of the reasons that caused us to go into a downward spiral?
• What are some very hot issues of our day? Why are they such hot points? How many people are willing to go to the Bible for clarification on each?
• Read Isa. 5:20-21. How does this describe our country? Is relativism coming, or is it here? Give some examples.
• Charles Colson wrote: “No culture in history has ever embraced moral relativism and survived. Our own culture, therefore, will either 1) be the first, and disprove history’s clearest lesson, or 2) persist in its relativism and die, or 3) repent of its relativism and live. There is no other option.” How does that warn us of what is happening in our country? How many people embrace relativism? Read Matt. 12:25. Can America survive? Why/why not?

Dress Up

• Read Eph. 6:13-16.. How are we going to be able to stand strong in the world? What is the first piece of the armor? Why is Truth so important?
• What important roles does the belt play? If we don’t have truth as our foundation, how can we survive?

Wise Up

• Read Prov. 14:12. Who does the relativist believe to be right? How many “truths” are there? How do you know?
• How do you get the courage to present to a relativist that there is an alternative based on absolute truth, and challenge them to examine the foundations of both worldviews—one with God and one without God?
• Read Matt. 10:16. How can you present your view to those opposing you? Do you know what you believe? Can you articulate it?
• Read 1 Pet. 3:15. Many seasoned Christians hesitate to witness because they are not certain they can “give their reasons.” What are some ways you can practice these important points around your dinner table?

Rise Up

• Read Acts 17:17. Was Paul hesitant about sharing the gospel? How did he first reach out to the men of Athens? How often did he meet with them? How often do you witness? How can you find more time to share the gospel?
• Read James 2:14-17. In our community and adjoining towns, how can we as the church earn the right to be heard?
• What are some of the qualities of Truth?
• Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” How do you know you can believe Him?
• If you answered yes, you believe Him to be the only way, can you be saved? If you believe there are other ways, is your eternal life in jeopardy (think)?

Close:

Over two thousand years ago, the world was changed by the original eleven disciples and Paul. By 350 AD, it is estimated that there were more than 33 million Christians in the world. By 2015, there were approximately 2.4 billion around the world. All from twelve men!

If those numbers are correct, what has happened to the church in America? When it was founded, God was the cornerstone to worship Him in peace. It should have made an impact on the future generations, so that they were all living lives centered around God. What happened? There has always been sin, but when did it start escalating and swaying the lives of the people? It would seem that gradually the lives of the Christians became apathetic, peaceful, and with that playground, Satan moved in with his droves of demons. You would think that technology—which can get us around the world in minutes—could enable us to witness to everyone on earth. But with the advent of technology it also seems the opposite has become true: the world is growing more wicked every day. Why is that? As Charles Colson wrote, “When the church is truly the church, a community living in biblical obedience and contending for faith in every area of life, it will surely revive the surrounding culture or create a new one.” Right now, that’s a tall order.

At the present time, America has become embroiled in a battle between good and evil. Why? The trend toward moral relativism is one huge reason, and one that is drawing away young people who have had no firm religious foundation in their years of nurturing at home. And if revival would come to our land, who would benefit the most? The silent majority is no longer the majority, but we are still silent. How can we not see our country is being destroyed? God, help us! We need to have courage to come against Satan and his workers of evil.

May it be so, Lord, before our country is no longer.