Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, December 15, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
DON’T CHANGE YOUR GOOD HABITS
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Daniel 6:1-10
Text: Daniel 6:10
Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Introduction: Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den because he was unwilling to change his good habits.
Habits are extremely important. Habits are the root from which grows good or bad character. BAD habits NEED to be changed, but we should NOT change our GOOD habits. At times we are tempted to change them, and I want to encourage you today to stick with your good habits.
I. DON’T CHANGE YOUR GOOD HABITS DUE TO THE CUSTOMS OF THE POPULATION
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
As the world changes its customs, we should not change our good habits
A. About dress
- Deuteronomy 22:5
- 1 Corinthians 11:14
B. About discipline of children
C. About divorce
II. DON’T CHANGE YOUR GOOD HABITS DUE TO THE COMMANDS OF POLITICIANS
Daniel 3:4-6hen an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
A. About worship
B. About witnessing
- Acts 5:29
C. About the word of God
- Some governments have forbidden people to have Bibles in their homes.
III. DON’T CHANGE YOUR GOOD HABITS DUE TO THE CRITICISM OF PEOPLE
Luke 10:38-40 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Critics may cause us to examine ourselves, but don’t change your good habits, when those critics are
A. People who are foolish
B. People who are fruitless
C. People who are far from God
IV. DON’T CHANGE YOUR GOOD HABITS DUE TO THE CHANGING OF PROSPERITY
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
When income changes, don’t change
A. Your stewardship
- A tithe is still a tenth, whether you are rich or poor
B. Your service
- Many people give up their Sunday School classes, bus routes, etc. when they either come into riches or poverty
C. Your spirit
- Rich believers should not become snobbish, proud, or self-reliant
- Poor believers should not become bitter, critical, or greedy