Do Not Mess up Your Testimony - 9/10/2023 Sunday Sermon

Do not Mess up Your Testimony

“I could not tell him that then,” Gandhi replied, “because three days ago I was also eating sugar!”

Read Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Believers must be vigilant because sin can mess up their testimony V. 1

With God there is forgiveness and restoration when we confess our sins and turn back to Him – but some foolish actions we engage in have ongoing consequences and limit the rest of our earthly impact.

Embrace godly choices and avoid foolish behavior V. 2-7

But Solomon is speaking here of making right choices that honor God instead of wrong choices that are sinful and dishonor God.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” -Prov. 15:1

Prepare for what you will be facing so you will be ready V. 8-11

If you need to chop down some trees, sharpen your ax first, and you’ll have a better go of it than those who just swing away zealously with a dull blade.

If you don’t learn how to deal with snakes, they will bite you before you learn how to deal with them!

Think before you speak and don’t talk too much! V. 12-15

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. -Eph. 4:29

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. -Prov. 10:19

Don’t celebrate until the work is finished! V. 16-20

The proper time to celebrate is after the work that needs to get done is gotten done. The proper way is to celebrate in such a way that relationships are strengthened and nobody gets drunk.

Drunkenness is forbidden in the Bible, but not all use of alcohol. However, strong words of caution are given, along with many examples of alcohol use leading to sin (Noah, Lot, etc…). I believe based on the Scriptures and scientific findings that almost everyone will be best served by reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol in their life. There are plenty of non-alcoholic ways to celebrate!