1 Kings 18:20-21

Introduction:

1. Though the title is wonky, the quote from which it flows conveys my point well: “There’s nothing in the middle of the road but a yellow line and dead possums.”

2. This discussion is a call to take a firm, unapologetic stance for the will of the Lord.

Discussion:

I. Why Many Choose the Middle of the Road

A. Barna Research group’s study released on May 19, 2020 is illuminating:

1. 58% of American adults believe moral truth is a matter of individual opinion.

2. Another 10% say they do not know which technically is the same as above.

3. Only 48% of Evangelicals and 31% of Pentecostals believe in moral absolutes.

B. Sadly, a growing number who claim to belong to the Lord’s church are faltering.

II. Time to Make Our Stand

A. This philosophy is nothing new (Judges 21:25; 1 Kings 18:20-21; John 18:37-38).

B. God never has and never will accept such an approach to morality and religion.

1. He rejected Adam and Eve’s attempts to elude moral responsibility (Genesis 3).

2. He demanded the Israelites decide whom they would serve when they entered Canaan (Joshua 24:14-15) and again many generations later (1 Kings 18:20-21).

3. We must choose a master (Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 10:21-22; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

C. Jesus plainly said all who are not for Him are against Him (Luke 11:23).

III. A Yellow Line and Dead Possums

A. Efforts to walk in the middle of the spiritual road end as badly as the physical.

1. Joshua was clear that religious syncretism brought God’s wrath (Joshua 24:20).

2. In Elijah’s day, God had the false prophets destroyed (1 Kings 18:38-40).

3. Jesus strongly condemned the middle of the road approach to truth (Matthew 7:21ff; Luke 9:23-26; John 8:31-32; 12:47-48; 14:6).

B. Every one of us will answer for the deeds done in the body based on whose will we choose to embrace (Romans 2:5-11; 6:16-23; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Conclusion:

1. Try as we may, we all must choose whom we will serve, so let us choose wisely.

2. There really is no middle of the spiritual road; we are either for or against Him.

3. So, let us make sure we avoid the middle of the road and make our stand for truth.

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you faced the pressures of society to take the middle of the moral road approach?

2. Do you ever struggle to balance taking a firm stance and maintaining proper attitude, (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:15), and how can we improve in our efforts to do so?