What Can Be Done? I. Introduction. A. Worldliness has always been a problem. 1. Even for Moses: Hebrews 11:25. 2. For Demas: II Timothy 4:10. B. It does exist even today: I John 2:15-17. C. Found in areas of divorce & remarriage; customs; associations; modern idols; alcohol; unrighteousness. II. Body. A. We are all faced with problems of the world. 1. Young: a. Pressure of peers. b. School activities. c. Clothing styles. d. Set patterns while young--easier to follow. 2. Middle aged. a. Feel from peers--as do young. b. Easy to approve and/or condone friends. c. Business world, marriage, etc. d. As wealth increases--can purchase items not previously available. 3. Older. a. Known of those who were strong when young- -weakened with age. b. There are still strong temptations at this age. B. Why do the present moral problems(seem to be growing) exist among disciples. 1. Lack of teaching? a. Each generation must be instructed: II Timothy 2:2. b. Teach--teach--reteach: I Timothy 4:6. c. Where fail--problems arise. d. Can win one battle and lose the war. 2. Lack of example. a. Powerful in influencing. b. Cannot expect others to do what we will not! c. Some parents punish children for behavior the parents engage in. d. Note: I Timothy 4:12. e. Paul said: Acts 20:35. f. We are models--we follow models. C. What can be done by each disciple? 1. For self? a. Listen and learn: I Timothy 4:16. b. Apply principles: Romans 2:21. c. Avoid temptations: I Corinthians 10:14. d. Resolve to remain pure: I John 3:3. e. Avoid being influenced by evil associates: I Corinthians 15:33. 2. For others? a. Set an example(model). b. You do owe something to your brethren: Genesis 4:9. c. Teach and encourage: everyone has some responsibility. 3. By parents? a. Instruct: Ephesians 6:4. b. Be firm: Proverbs 15:5. c. Punish: Proverbs 16:18. d. Say "no.": Proverbs 25:28. 4. By leaders? a. See to keeping local church pure. b. Promote instruction of principles. c. Correct, rebuke, and discipline: I Thessalonians 5:14. 5. By preachers? a. Preach truth plainly and boldly: II Timothy 4:2. b. Fight a battle: I Timothy 6:12. 6. By teachers? a. Instruct in classes, etc.--fully. b. Live what teach: Romans 2:21-22. 7. By those older? a. Be a good model. b. Do not be hypocritical--demanding more of others than willing to give. c. Note: Titus 2:3-5. (1 By example. (2 By word of mouth. (3 Not restricted to mothers. III. Conclusion: Overcoming the world is everybody's business. Let each be about his/her business.-jy