Canine Christians
Job 12:7-10

1. Hound Dogs: Always have their nose where it doesn’t belong.

• One problem of the church: Humanitarian/Political Issues
• Christians: Personal business of unsaved people and the shortcomings of other Christians

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

1 Peter 4:15

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

The best place for your nose is on your face. If you wouldn’t want your face associated with an issue, don’t stick your nose there.

If we don’t stay on our guard a genuine concern will wander into the realm of unholy busyness. (ex. Peter in John 21:22)

2. Stray Dogs:

a) Too Stupid: to stupid to realize the cause of chastening, to stupid to realize there’s a life better than scrounging for spiritual satisfaction in the trash can of this world, to stupid to respect the fruit of righteousness.

Romans 1:18-21

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

b) Too Smart:

Proverbs 26:12

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

2 Corinthians 10:12

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

c) Too Stubborn: No master – No authority – they usually just run with the pack

3. Attack Dogs: Enjoy biting, hurting, and scaring people

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

How to avoid injury with attack dogs:

a) Don’t look them in the eye.

2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Romans 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

b) Don’t run from them.

Romans 12:17-21

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

4. Show Dogs: Just look pretty.

Church Dress/Church Talk

Matthew 23:27-28

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

5. The “Sooners”: Mixed Breed “Just as ‘sooner’ one as another.”

The Convenient Christians

Revelation 3:15-16

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Closing: Not all dogs are bad.

Bob Schuller: ‘Some Dogs I Have Known’

‘A dog doesn’t have a soul, He’ll never walk the streets of gold.’

Some dogs I’ve known are loyal… But many Christians are not.

Some dogs are tenacious…

Some dogs are courageous…

Imagine two men walking down a road a dog in between them. Who’s dog is it? You won’t know until they part ways. Then you’ll find out.