Text: Daniel 2:44
Proposition: Why did Christianity grow?
Introduction
In Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in volume I he writes why he thinks Christianity triumphed over Judaism and the Pagan religions of the Empire. We know that God designed Christianity, but what in its design makes it so appealing to man? Why does man want what God has to offer? Gibbon tries to answer this question. I think the points he makes are good. We need to remember that as Christians we have a superior product to offer. No, other religion can match Christianity. It is superior to all other religions. It is appealing and attractive to mankind.
These are the five points Gibbon makes.
I. The inflexible and intolerant zeal of the Christians derived from the Jewish religion, but purified from the narrow and unsocial spirit which instead of inviting, had deterred the Gentiles form embracing the law of Moses.
II. The doctrine of a future life.
III. The miraculous powers ascribed to the primitive church.
IV. The pure and austere morals of the Christians
V. The unity and discipline of the Christian republic.
I. The inflexible and intolerant zeal of the Christians derived from the Jewish religion, but purified from the narrow and unsocial spirit, which instead of inviting had deterred the Gentiles form embracing the Law of Moses.
A. The Jews were inflexible and intolerant of other religions.
1. They refused to worship other Gods. They would die rather than worship an idol.
a. Daniel 3:4-29
b. During the days Antiochus Epiphanes the Jews did not give in to his commands.
c. I Maccabees 1:60-64, At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised. And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them. Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing. Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died. And there was very great wrath upon Israel.
Ma 7:1 It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.
2Ma 7:2 But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.
2Ma 7:3 Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot:
2Ma 7:4 Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.
2Ma 7:5 Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully, saying thus,
2Ma 7:6 The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.
2Ma 7:7 So when the first was dead after this number, they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?
2Ma 7:8 But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.
2Ma 7:9 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting life.
2Ma 7:10 After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.
2Ma 7:11 And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.
2Ma 7:12 Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.
2Ma 7:13 Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner.
2Ma 7:14 So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life.
2Ma 7:15 Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.
2Ma 7:16 Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God;
2Ma 7:17 But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will torment thee and thy seed.
2Ma 7:18 After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us.
2Ma 7:19 But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.
2Ma 7:20 But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.
2Ma 7:21 Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,
2Ma 7:22 I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you;
2Ma 7:23 But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws' sake.
2Ma 7:24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.
2Ma 7:25 But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.
2Ma 7:26 And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son.
2Ma 7:27 But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.
2Ma 7:28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.
2Ma 7:29 Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.
2Ma 7:30 Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment: but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.
2Ma 7:31 And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.
2Ma 7:32 For we suffer because of our sins.
2Ma 7:33 And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.
2Ma 7:34 But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:
2Ma 7:35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who seeth all things.
2Ma 7:36 For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God's covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.
2Ma 7:37 But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God;
2Ma 7:38 And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.
2Ma 7:39 Than the king' being in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.
2Ma 7:40 So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord.
2Ma 7:41 Last of all after the sons the mother died.
2Ma 7:42 Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.
B. The early Christians were inflexible
1. Acts 5:28-32
2. In about 162 AD a man named Polycarp, an 86 year old man who was the bishop at Smyrna, was brought before the proconsul.
The proconsul asked him, if he were Polycarp. When he assented, the former counselled him to deny Christ, saying, ‘Consider thyself, and have pity on thy own great age’; and many other such-like speeches which they are wont to make; --‘Swear by the fortune of Caesar’ – ‘Repent’ – ‘Say, “Away with the atheists.” ‘
Then Polycarp with a grave aspect, beholding all the multitude in the Stadium, and waving his hand to them, gave a deep sigh, and, looking up to heaven, said, ‘Take away the atheists.’
The proconsul then urged him, saying, ‘Swear and I will release thee;--reproach Christ.”
Polycarp answered, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who hath saved me?”
The proconsul again urged him, “Swear by the fortune of Caesar.”
Polycarp replied, “Since you still vainly strive to make me swear by the fortune of Caesar, as you express it affecting ignorance of my real character hear me frankly declaring what I am – I am a Christian – and if you desire to learn the Christian doctrine, assign me a day, and you shall hear.”
Hereupon the proconsul said, “I have wild beasts; and I will expose you to them unless you repent.”
“Call for them,” replied Polycarp; “for repentance with us is a wicked thing, if it is to be a change from the better to the worse, but a good thing if it is to be a change from evil to good.”
“I will tame thee with fire,” said the proconsul, “since you despise the wild beasts, unless you repent.”
Then said Polycarp, “You threaten me with fire, which burns for an hour, and is soon extinguished; but the fire of the future judgement, and of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly, you are ignorant of. But why do you delay? Do whatever you please.”
The proconsul sent the herald to proclaim thrice in the middle of the Stadium, ‘Polycarp hath professed himself a Christian.’ Which words were no sooner spoken, but the whole multitude, both of Gentiles and Jews, dwelling at Smyrna , with outrageous fury shouted aloud, ‘This is the doctor of Asia, the father of the Christians, and the subverter of our gods who hath though many not to sacrifice or adore.’ They now called on Philip, the asiarch, to let loose a lion against Polycarp. But he refused, alleging that he had closed his exhibition. They then unanimously shouted, that he should be burnt alive… The people immediately gathered wood and other dry matter from the workshops and baths; in which service the Jews (with their usual malice) were particularly forward to help.
When they would have fastened him to the stake, he said, “Leave me as I am; for he who giveth me strength to sustain the fire, will enable me also, with your securing me with nails, to remain without flinching in the pile.” Upon which they bound him without nailing him. So he said thus: -- “O Father, I bless thee that thou hast counted me worthy to receive my portion among the number of martyrs. (John Foxe, Foxes Book of Martyrs, pg. 22-24)
When he said “Amen” the officers lit the fire. The arched around him, but didn’t burn his body. The executioner saw what was happening he pierced Polycarp with his sword and the blood put the fire out. They then burned his dead body in the fire.
3. The early Christians were inflexible they would not participate in false religion. We should not participate in false religion.
4. Ephesians 5:11, We are not to participate in the evil deeds of darkness, but expose them.
5. Romans 12:2 We are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
6. We are to remain inflexible and intolerant.
a. Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, or humanism are not just as good as Christianity. Humanism thinks religions must adapt to the ideas of humanism. That is a stupid thing to say when the first statement of humanism is that there is no God. How do you have religion with no God? There are churches who have no God, but man. The Unitarian church is based on the ideas of humanism.
b. We have the truth. Why do we need to adapt the truth into a lie?
c. When we sing the song “I Shall not be Moved,” remember we are inflexible.
C. Even though we are inflexible we are not unsocial, but inviting.
1. Matthew 28:18-20, we are to go to everyone Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, black and white and everyone in between, and slave and free.
2. Judaism was not for the whole world it was for one nation, and the Jews liked it that way. They hated Gentiles.
a. John 4:9
b. Luke 4:25-29
c. Galatians 2:11-14, even after Christianity started it was hard for some to accept gentiles.
3. Christianity is a world religion.
a. There is no central temple, John 4:19-21.
b. We don’t have to go to Jerusalem three times a year to worship.
c. We can eat whatever is set in front of us, without breaking God’s law.
II. The doctrine of a future life. (Why is this appealing to man?)
A. Man fears death, and this removes the sting of death and gives us hope.
1. I Corinthians 15:50-58, the resurrection makes us inflexible (vs. 58)
2. I Corinthians 15:15-19, The resurrection is a fundamental fact of Christianity.
3. No other religion can truly offer eternal life. Christ is the only one who has resurrected to never die again. He is the only one who can offer eternal life.
B. We are offered an eternal home where we do not have the pain and suffering we have here on the earth.
1. Revelation 21:3 and 4
2. We have the hope of heaven, which no one can take away.
C. The fear of eternal punishment if you do not obey God’s laws
1. Revelation 21:8
2. If a person knew Christianity to be true this would be a good motivator.
III. The miraculous powers ascribed to the primitive church (Why did this cause growth?)
A. The miracles provided an audience willing to listen.
1. Acts 3:1-11
2. Peter preached a gospel sermon after the people came together.
3. Acts 4:4, five thousand people believed.
B. The miracles were undeniable.
1. Acts 4:7-16
2. There was no trickery. The man was known to be a cripple by everyone. He was willing to stand with Peter and John while they were on trial for speaking in Jesus name.
C. The miracles convinced people these men had a message from God.
1. Acts 8:5-13
2. These people saw Phillip’s miracles and they listened to his message.
IV. The pure and austere morals of the Christians (Why would pure and austere morals cause Christianity to grow?)
A. Pure - Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy.
B. Austere - Severe; harsh; rigid; stern; applied to persons; as an austere master; an austere look.
C. Many churches today are the opposite. They think they will grow if they let immorality in. They will for a while, but they won’t last. They will die. The Church of England is dead and empty, according to Alan Marshall. All churches who allow immorality will be dead and empty eventually.
D. We are made in the image of God
1. Even though our flesh wants to serve Satan our spirit has the desire to serve God. We want to do what is right, but we need the Holy Spirit in our lives to live a moral life. This is attractive to people to see people who live a moral life. They want to do the same thing.
2. Romans 7:14-25, people hate themselves for the sin that they do. They want to be free from the guilt and they want to live a moral life. This is only possible through Jesus Christ.
E. We are the light of the world
1. Matthew 5:14-16
2. Our good works cause men to glorify God.
3. We want to give Christianity a good name. A Christian should be a person everyone wants for their neighbor.
4. I Peter 2:11-12
5. I Timothy 6:1
6. Even if people are dishonest liars and immoral they want to do business with someone they know will not cheat them.
7. Titus 3:1, The early Christians were subject to their pagan governors. Governments like people who are subject to them and who want to be good citizens.
F. It is a reflection on your heavenly Father and the society you belong too.
1. Matthew 5:48, perfection is the goal, whether it is attainable or not. We are to do our best to be perfect, complete, and mature like our Father.
2. His morals are perfect.
3. When a man has children who are rebellious and are out of control what do you think of that man? You don’t have a very good opinion of him. When you see a man whose children are obedient, in control, and happy what do you think of that man? I want to know what he does. Maybe I can learn a few child training tips from him. He has my respect. It is the same when we are a Christian. If we are an obedient and happy people we reflect what our heavenly father is.
4. We also reflect on other Christians with our morals.
a. I Peter 2:13-15
b. I Peter 4:14-16
V. The unity and discipline of the Christian republic. (Why did this help the church grow?)
A. Republic – A commonwealth; a state in which the exercise of the sovereign power is lodged in representatives elected by the people. In modern usage, it differs from a democracy or democratic state, in which the people exercise the powers of sovereignty in person. Yet the democracies of Greece are often called republics.
The United States is a republic. We elect representatives and they go to Washington for us and represent the interests of our state.
B. The early church had this type of governing body.
1. In Acts 6:3-6, seven men were selected by the church and the apostles laid their hands on them.
2. Acts 14:23, Elders were appointed in every church by Paul and Barnabas
3. Titus 1:5, Titus appointed elders in the church.
4. Acts 15:1-33, the churches sent elders to the council in Jerusalem. Both sides were allowed to speak and then James brings the scriptures in as final authority, (16-18). The argument was settled. The churches were willing to come together to reach a decision.
5. If any institution is to last in must have some way of solving problems and conflicts between people. Today in the most churches of Christ we have nothing of this sort. Most of them don’t even have elders. First of all we need to appoint elders and if we are a man do our best to prepare to be an elder. (Many churches today have this type of government, but the have forgotten that the scriptures are the final authority and they have voted to decided what is right and wrong.)
6. This system will only work if people are willing have God’s word as final authority and not a man’s. The pope is not final authority. The vote of representatives is not final authority. God’s word is. Men also have to be careful about exercising authority over one another.
a. Mark 10:42- 45, this is what has happened in churches. Men want to rule over one another. The Catholics have done exactly this. They are rightfully called Roman Catholic. They have copied the Rome in exercising authority. The pope exercises all authority over the church.
b. Matthew 23:8-12, we are to be brothers. What happens if you tell your brother what to do? He says, your not my dad I don’t have to listen to you. If your father tells you what to do you better do it or be ready to pay the penalty. The word of God is our Father speaking to us he is the one in authority.
7. We need to be unified with not just within the church we attend, but also with other churches. It is encouraging to know that there are people all over the United States and all over the world who are striving to live as simply Christians. I was encouraged to know that in London there are people who following the truth of the gospel.
8. My opinion is it is good for young people to go to youth camps, not just for teaching and instruction, but also for encouragement and to meet people from other places who are preaching the gospel.
9. I Thessalonians 3:6, It is good for adults to know people from other parts of the nation and world. I am excited to see people that I don’t get to see all the time who are Christians.
10. Romans 15:23, 24, and 32, it is good to be able to meet Christians you have not met, but you have heard of their great faith and their work.
11. Someday we will be in heaven and we will be able meet all the Christians from the past and the ones to come. That will be a great reunion.
12. If we want to be a church that grows we must be unified.
C. Unified people are unstoppable
D. The discipline of the church helped it to grow.
1. In any society those who want to break the law must be disciplined or they will destroy the society. It is no different in the church.
2. Matthew 18:15-17
3. I Corinthians 5:1-6, the gentiles wouldn’t want to belong to a church where a man was sleeping with his father’s wife. They needed to discipline the man if they wanted to grow.
4. II Corinthians 2:5-8, We also need to be merciful. When people repent, forgive them and receive them back.
Conclusion
As Christians we need to be inflexible and intolerant. We are to never give in to what is false even if it means death. We are also to be social and inviting to all people
Remember we have what no other religion can offer. We offer eternal life. Eternal life only comes through Jesus Christ.
Even though we don’t have miracles like they did in the early church, God still answers our prayers. The miracles still testify that the apostles and prophets had the truth.
We need to be a pure and moral people if we want to be attractive to sinners.
Be unified Christians and be willing to discipline those who are in sin.
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