Popular Religion 

Introduction: 

“Popular religion” refers to what is believed by a wide range of people; religion that is well-liked by a large number of people.  For many, this means it must be right.  But is what’s right determined by counting heads?  A Faith Built on Sand by Phil Sanders 

Body:

 I. Is the Majority Always Right? 

• Numbers 13:25-33, 14:26-30 The majority (10 out of 12) of spies were wrong!  Only Joshua and Caleb were right.  Look at the consequences.  The majority view isn’t always the correct view.
• Regardless of how many men try to change the Word of God; they can’t.  His teaching is true whether men accept it or not.
• Christianity isn’t a democracy.  It’s a kingdom ruled by a King who alone makes the law.  His laws are not subject to cultural change or popular thinking.
• God knows what is best for mankind.  He does not need our advice or input.

II. Popular Thinking 

• “The problem with popular thinking is that it doesn’t require you to think at all.”  Kevin Myers  Good thinking is hard work.  It’s easier to let someone else do it for you.  (Acts 17:11)
• Popular religion is lazy.  Instead of devoting the time and energy to seeking God’s way, it just follows its own feelings and emotions.  (Jeremiah 6:16)
• Popular religion doesn’t want to hear about the Holy One of Israel.  People prefer smooth and pleasant words.  (Isaiah 30:8-11)
• It’s easy to follow what is popular.  That can blind us to the truth.  Just because many are doing something; it doesn’t make it right.

III. God’s Will Is Nonnegotiable 

• It’s unwise and even dangerous to rely on your own judgment instead of trusting in God.  (Proverbs 3:5-7)  Jehovah knows and understands all.
• Ask yourself:  “Is this man’s will or God’s?  Did Jesus or the apostles teach or practice it?”
• What God says does matter.  God’s Word will judge us on the last day.  (John 12:48)  God doesn’t ask us what we want in a religion.  He has already spoken.
• Are we willing to yield to God’s will?  We cannot believe man-made teachings and expect God to like it.  He won’t!
• Matthew 7:13-14  Read Matthew Henry’s comments:

First, “You will have abundance of liberty in that way; the gate is wide, and stands wide open to tempt those that go right on their way.  You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to your appetites, to your passions:  you may walk in the way of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; that gives room enough.  It is a broad way, for there is nothing to hedge in those that walk in it, but they wander endlessly; a broad way, for there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways, contrary to each other, but all paths in this broad way.  Secondly, ‘you will have abundance of company in that way:  Many there be that go in at this gate, and walk in this way.’  If we follow the multitude, it will be to do evil:  if we go with the crowd, it will be the wrong way.  It is natural for us to incline to go down the stream, and do as the most do; but it is too great a compliment, to be willing to be damned for company, and to go to hell with them, because they will not go to heaven with us:  if many perish, we should be the more cautions.” 

IV. Popular Religion 

• Popular religion gives false hope.  Vast members of people are deceived into believing that the majority must be right.
• Popular religions are self-made religions.  They are made from mixing various beliefs and practices together. 
• Popular religions are not willing to deal with controversy, nor confront anyone about their sins.  They want everybody to be happy.  They are not willing to tell people what they must do to be pleasing to God.  Almost anyone is accepted into the fellowship.  Numbers are what matter.

Invitation: 

Popular religion is following the broad path that leads to destruction.  It’s only the narrow way that leads to eternal life, the way of submitting to the Lord and obeying His voice. 

Bobby Stafford

December 4, 2011

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