Book: Stockholm Syndrom Christianity by John West. He gives evidence that many Christians and leaders seem to be taking on the viewpoint of those who are hostile to Christianity. They fail to uphold the historic faith and practice and side with the world. Why? They sincerely believe that what they are doing is right! He calls them, Stockholm Syndrome Christians.
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are not to conform to this world, but to bond and take on the identity of Jesus.
OUTLINE:
1. Love Like Jesus. (Romans 13:8-10)
2. Live Like Jesus. (13:11-14)
1. A Call to Love Like Jesus
Romans 13:8 (NASB), “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law. 9 For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.”
• The NIV translation is better, “Let no debt remain outstanding...”
• Matthew 7:12, “...treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
• John 13:1, “He loved them to the end.”
• John 13:34, “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you.”
2. A Call to Live Like Jesus
Romans 13:11 (NASB), “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”
• Romans 8:29, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son...”
• 1 Peter 2:21-22, “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth...”
• 1 John 3:2, “When He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
CONCLUSION
“You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” - St. Augustine, Confessions
