Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Oct. 29, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
SPOILING THE GOOD NAME
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:1-10
Text: Proverbs 22:1
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Introduction: When we think of “a good name,” we are thinking of a good reputation. When someone thinks of your name their thoughts are either positive or negative.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
Sometimes a person’s name can be ruined by influential enemies, but usually it is ruined by either his character or his children.
People can not only spoil their family name or father’s name, but they can also spoil the good name of their local church.
Some people spoil the good name of Baptists. They bring shame to the rest of us and to Christ.
Some people spoil the good name of independent Baptists. They bring shame to the rest of us and to Christ.
Some people spoil the good name of Bible-believing. They bring shame to the rest of us and to Christ.
Some people spoil the good name of fundamental. They bring shame to the rest of us and to Christ.
But the most important name of all, the name which is above every name, which is the name of JESUS.
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I. PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SPOILING THE GOOD NAME
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
A. Wicked counterfeits spoil the good name – These people name the name of Christ but pervert the gospel of Christ
- Jehovah’s False Witnesses
- Church of Christ – teaching baptismal regeneration
B. Weak churches spoil the good name
C. Worldly Christians spoil the good name
II. PROCEDURES ARE FOLLOWED FOR SPOILING THE GOOD NAME
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
A. False doctrine spoils the good name
B. Fleshy division spoils the good name
C. Failing dedication spoils the good name
III. PERSONS ARE AFFECTED BY THE SPOILING OF THE GOOD NAME
2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
A. The unconverted are affected
B. The undeveloped — children — are affected
C. The unstable — weak and new Christians — are affected
D. The uncompromising — even strong Christians — are affected
IV. POSSIBILITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRESERVING THE GOOD NAME
To the angel of the church in Pergamos, God wrote:
Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
A. A genuine conversion helps preserve the good name
B. A growing consecration helps preserve the good name
- You may not be as godly as you SHOULD be, but if you are more godly than you USED to be, people will hear about it!
C. A going church helps preserve the good name
- We preach HIM, not a denomination!
- We preach HIM, not a dogma!
Jesus’ name is the SWEETEST name I know. … and He’s just the same as His lovely name. And that’s the reason why I love Him so, for Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
But not only that …
Jesus’ name is the ONLY SAVING name GOD knows.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Let’s don’t spoil the good name!