Overcoming Prejudice I What Is Prejudice Prejudice Webster

Overcoming Prejudice

I. What Is Prejudice?

Prejudice Webster - preconceived judgment or opinion, an opinion or leaning adverse to anything without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge. " Prejudice is close-mindedness. - Many a person's mind has been closed for years, but not for repairs or alterations. - The most difficult thing to open is a closed mind. - A closed mind is like a closed steel trap; though a great many things may get into it, it catches nothing. - A prejudiced mind is one that the truth cannot penetrate. - Light travels at an amazing speed until it hits the human mind.

Prejudice Condemnation without investigation Spencer - “There is a principle which is a bond against all information, which is proof against all argument & which cannot fail to keep the man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is, ‘condemnation before investigation. ’” Thus, “prejudice is a great time saver: it enables us to form convictions without bothering to get the facts. ” Prejudice - Convicting without proper consideration of the facts involved.

II. Prejudice Toward The Truth

Prejudice Toward The Truth C. C. Colten - “The greatest friend of truth is Time, her greatest enemy is Prejudice, & her constant companion is Humility. ” Plato - “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. ”

Prejudice Toward The Truth Galileo - tried for heresy - called before the Inquisition affirmed the revolution of the earth Said to judges, "Here is my telescope; look through it & you shall see the moons of Jupiter. " They were so firmly convinced - they refused to look

The Pharisees were prejudice against the truth Matt. 13: 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM. ’ 2 Cor. 4: 3, 4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

prejudice against the truth Prejudice against the truth crucified Jesus Matt. 27: 21 -23 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you? ” And they said, “Barabbas. ” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? ” They all said, “Crucify Him!” And he said, “Why, what evil has He done? ” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!” Mt 27: 24 -26 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves. ” And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Overwhelming evidences He was the divine Son of God The majority closed their mind to truth & clamored for blood

The Jews in Antioch of Pisidia Acts 13: 44 -46 The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. Must hear the word - desire it Don’t not repudiate (refuse to accept or associate with) contradict (deny truth of, assert the opposite) blaspheme (speak irreverently about) Remove selfishness & prejudice Show yourself worthy

The Bereans were not prejudiced Acts 17: 11, 12 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. noble - euge - superior, showing fine personal qualities, high moral principles eagerness - prothumia - enthusiasm, readiness, willingness examining - anakrinō - investigating, considering, studying Scriptures decide what is true - produce saving faith

Current examples of denominational prejudiced toward the truth Mk. 16: 16 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. 1 Pet. 3: 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, “I know they say baptism is necessary to salvation, but I still believe you can be save without it. ”

Current examples of denominational prejudiced toward the truth Eph. 5: 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; Rev. 22: 18, 19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. “I know it teaches we are to sing in worship to God, but I still don't believe instrumental music in worship is wrong. ”

Current examples of denominational prejudiced toward the truth Acts 20: 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. “I know it teaches weekly communion on the first day of the week, but I don't think it is sinful not to do so. ”

Current examples of denominational prejudiced toward the truth Eph. 5: 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Eph. 1: 22, 23 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. “I know it teaches church membership is essential, but I still believe you can be saved out of the church. ”

Current examples of denominational prejudiced toward the truth Matt. 5: 32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Matt. 19: 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery. ” "I know the Lord said fornication is the only cause for divorce & remarriage, but I think there are other circumstances which allow remarriage. ” unchastity, immorality - porneia - fornication, sexual immorality, illicit sexual intercourse, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, etc.

To overcome prejudice toward the truth, consider what the truth will do for you Makes free Jn. 8: 32 Brought us forth Jas. 1: 18 Purifies your souls 1 Pet. 1: 22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren… Produces belief. Eph. 1: 13 Sanctifies. Jn. 17: 17, 19. God’s judgment falls upon sinners, rightly, according to truth Rom. 2: 2. Prejudice toward the truth, not only makes one an enemy of the truth, but is also an enemy to himself Depriving yourself of the truth, deprives yourself of its blessings

we should Hear the truth Believe the truth 2 Thess. 2: 12, 13 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. Obey the truth 1 Pet. 1: 22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, Love the truth 2 Thess. 2: 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

we should Speak, walk in & accurately handle the truth Speaking the truth Eph. 4: 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, Live the truth 3 Jn. 3, 4 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. Accurately handling the truth 2 Tim. 2: 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

III. Prejudice Toward Other People

Prejudice toward people Webster - an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics. Nathanael prejudiced against Nazarenes Jn. 1: 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? ” Philip said to him, “Come and see. ” How wrong was he! Philips knew how to dispel prejudice - personal investigation All cities & souls share in His divine regard

Guilt by association The Pharisee was prejudiced against the tax collector. Lk. 18: 9 -11 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. Put the publican into a category with all other publicans He judged guilt by association. Beware of categorizing, of wholesale indictments

Avoid Prejudging People Some decided they would not like a certain preacher, elder, teacher, neighbor even before they have meet, heard, or became acquainted with them Guilty of prejudging Condemning without investigation Convicting without evidence This is prejudice

Areas where prejudiced toward other people is often exercised Race - contempt toward those of another race Intellectual levels - contempt for those with lower or higher education or intelligence Financial status - contempt for those poorer or richer Occupational pursuits "all politicians are crooked, all lawyers are liars, all doctors are quacks & all preachers are mercenary Age - all young people are going to the dogs, & young people must avoid thinking of the elderly people as old fogeys.

IV. overcome prejudice toward other people

Created in God’s Image Gen. 1: 26, 27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping that creeps on the earth. ” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. All men are created equal Freedom of will, moral responsibility, reason & creativity

to love our neighbor as ourself Mk. 12: 31 “The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ’ There is no other commandment greater than these. ” Jas 2: 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF, ” you are doing well. Self love is natural Use it to measure how to treat others neighbor - plesios - near, neighboring, one close to you, any other man irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet

Perfect in love like the father Matt. 5: 44 -48 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ” agapē - unconquerable benevolence, invincible good will; acts in the best interest of the object loved Regard enemies & strangers with good will, desire their highest good Faith - God will reward Imitates God’s love for humanity - puts Christianity above humanity Perfect - mature, fit for purpose, showing good will for all

Practice the golden rule Matt. 7: 12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. ” Fulfills God’s Law Act as we want God to treat us Faith in the Rewarder Others are equal in nature & worthy of the treatment we desire Action required Applies to all

All have sinned Rom. 3: 9, 10, 23 9, 10 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, None are better - have sinned Others need grace, love, forgiveness like we do

Christ died for all 1 Tim. 2: 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. Show the value the Lord place on each soul Love as Christ loved

Christianity is world wide in scope Matt. 28: 18 -20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” Mk. 16: 15, 16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. ” The gospel is for all Whosoever may come

in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek Gal. 3: 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Col. 3: 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. No spiritual distinction All alike saved in Christ

in Christ there God is no Partiality Acts 10: 34, 35 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. No partiality - unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism All have a chance to fear and do right Welcomes all

in the body of Christ - reconciled, not only to God, but to each other Eph. 2: 14 -18 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

God looks on the hearts of men, not their external circumstances 1 Sam. 16: 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. ” 1 Chron. 28: 9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Judge righteous judgment Jn. 7: 24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. ”