Following the Path of Least Resistance The Path

Following the Path of Least Resistance

The Path of Least Resistance n Rivers are crooked because they follow the “path of least resistance” n What does this mean? The easiest way around an obstacle or easiest solution to a problem. The course of least antagonism. The popular way that comes freely without effort.

The Path of Least Resistance n In matters of opinion this is admirable (Gen. 13: 8 -9; Acts 15: 36 -41), but not in matters of the faith

The Path of Least Resistance Shortcuts in Life n School work (neglect homework, skip class, quit practice, cheat on tests, etc. ) n Employment (Prov. 6: 9 -11; Eccl. 10: 18; Eph. 6: 6) n Government (bail-out programs, etc. )

The Path of Least Resistance Principles of Excellence Are Not Being Taught • Ecclesiastes 9: 10 • 2 Corinthians 8: 7

The Path of Least Resistance Principles of Resistance Are Not Being Taught • Galatians 2: 11 • Ephesians 6: 10 ff

The Path of Least Resistance Shortcuts in the Church • Attend irregularly (Heb. 10: 25) • Lord’s supper only (Ac. 2: 42) • No works outside the assembly (Mt. 25: 26)

The Path of Least Resistance Shortcuts in the Church • Little or no Bible study (2 Tim. 2: 15) • Little or no giving (2 Cor. 8: 5; 9: 7) • Demand a short service (Neh. 8: 3)

The Path of Least Resistance Shortcuts in the Church • Refuse to stand for truth (Jude 3) • Give in to the Devil (Jas. 4: 7) • Go along with the world (Ac. 2: 40; Phil. 2: 15)

The Path of Least Resistance Shortcuts in the Church • Fail to practice what is preached (Ezek. 33: 32) • Neglect personal duty (Lk. 10: 28 -29, 37) • Fail to control your temper (Gal. 5: 20)

Least Resistance or Great Resolve You Can Take the Path of Least Resistance Like… • Samson (Judges 16: 16 -17) • Jereboam (1 K. 12: 28) • Peter (Mt. 26: 69 -75; Gal. 2: 11 -14) • Pilate (Mt. 27: 24) • Demas (2 Tim. 4: 10)

Least Resistance or Great Resolve You Can Take the Path of Great Resolve Like… • Job (Job 2: 9) • Jesus (Mt. 4: 1 -11) • Paul (2 Tim. 4: 7) • Epaphroditus (Phil. 2: 30) • Antipas (Rev. 2: 13)

The Path of Least Resistance n We know when we take shortcuts n God knows when we take shortcuts