Closet Christians It is time to come out

Closet Christians! It is time to come out.

Introduction • Many times when a person hides a habit or lifestyle from another individual or group of individuals, that person is said to be “in the closet. ” • Such is the description given to a homosexual who hides his sin from the rest of the world. • People may be “in the closet” about their drinking, adultery, or any other habit or practice they do not want others to know about. • Thus, these people could appropriately be called “closet drinkers, ” “closet adulterers, ” etc.

• While it is true that these people have something of which they are ashamed, they are not the only ones who hide their lifestyles from others. • Too many times members of the Lord’s church are “in the closet” about the life they had once chosen to live. • They hide their name and dedication so that the world will not associate them with the church. • These closet Christians have hindered the growth and production of the church across our nation.

• People who think and act in this fashion want the comfort of “belonging to Christ, ” but they are not willing to accept the responsibility that comes along with it. • They feel comforted thinking that God is on their side, but they would never stand up and defend God’s name, doctrine, or church before others. • . It was this very idea that Christ was condemning when He said: • “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven, ” (Matthew 10: 32 -33).

• This happens many times during the teenage years of a person’s life. • Because of the ridicule and mockery of their peers, many young Christians will continue to attend worship services but live “in the closet” the rest of the week. • Many times they never come out of that “closet” for fear and pressure, and they grow up to continue this way.

• Why do people do this? • What about this world and its temptations would cause one to revert almost to secrecy when it comes to Christianity? • I suggest there are some things missing in the life of the “closet Christian. ” • Let us look and see those things.

• First, a “Closet Christian” lacks courage. • God has always desired and required that His children have courage. • When the Lord chose an army to deliver His people, through Gideon He told all who were afraid to return home (Judges 7: 1 -2). • Joshua was told to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1: 6 -9).

• The great king David, even as a youth had the kind of courage God expects. • This was demonstrated when he fought Goliath the giant (1 Samuel 17). • Daniel possessed the courage God demands when he prayed, knowing he would be thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6). • We must also have courage to be a child of God. • Without proper courage we will become “closet Christians. ”

• Second, a “closet Christian” lacks conviction. • Conviction spans deeper than a vocal testimony of God (Matthew 7: 21). • Conviction is defined as, “a strong persuasion or belief. ” • Certainly one who is convicted will be compelled by his faith in Christ and love for God to follow the commandments. • In doing so, one could never be called a “closet Christian. ”

How convicted am I? How convicted are you? Do I study my Bible as I should? Do you study your Bible as you should? Do I attend all the services of the local congregation? • Do you? • Are we in danger of becoming “closet Christians”? • • •

• Third, a “closet Christian” lacks correct communication. • Proper communication is essential in any relationship. • The value of communication in our relationship with God is beyond compare. • God communicates with us through His Word. • Thus, if we do not read and study (2 Timothy 2: 15), then we have broken communication with Almighty God.

• We communicate with God by a fervent prayer life. • Paul stressed the necessity of prayer with these three words: • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17). • Thus, if we cease to pray, we have again broken communication with God.

• Finally, the “closet Christian” lacks confidence. • He lacks confidence in himself to live the life he promised to live, • confidence in the Word to help him overcome adversity and temptation, • and confidence in God to fulfill the promises He made to those who obey Him. • When we lose a solid confidence in God or His Word, then we are in danger of becoming “closet Christians. ”

Conclusion • Let us examine ourselves. • Do we lack courage, conviction, correct communication and/or confidence? • If we do, we may be in danger of becoming – or we have already become – “closet Christians. ” • The only thing a “closet Christian” does not lack is a place at the judgment. • If we have openly lived our commitment to Christ, we will be rewarded. • If not, we will be condemned.