Why People Refuse the Gospel
By: M. Allen
FILING INFORMATION:
98006
2/1/98 - Rapid City, SD
I. Introduction.
A. Throughout the Scriptures we find the importance of obeying God. We are told that God will save those who obey Him.
1. Heb. 5:8-9 - became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
2. Mt. 7:21 - enter heaven? Obey the Lord.
B. The Scriptures are just as plain that those who choose not to obey the Lord will suffer throughout the eternity.
1. Mt. 7:23 - those who practice lawlessness choose NOT to obey the Lord.
2. 1 Pet. 4:17-18 - righteous scarcely saved - what will the ungodly do? Choose not to obey? Lost throughout eternity.
C. We know certainly from observation that more people not obeying God than are. Mt. 7:13-14 tells us more will be lost than saved.
1. Should be a sense of urgency among us to spread gospel to those we know are lost. Are you willing to do whatever it takes?
D. Mt. 28:19-20 - our duty to reach the lost. Some have tried to dismiss this admonition of Christ because His statement directed to the apostles. But this is a duty of Christians to spread the gospel.
1. Countless people do just that. Whatever it takes, they are ready. Much study, preparation, etc. is given so that they can be ready to study with someone at a moment's notice.
2. Much can be said about our efforts here at Southside. Many pray for and do take advantage of opportunities to spread the gospel.
a. In personal conversation with our friends/relatives. Invitation made to study Bible and invitation extended to worship w/us at services.
b. Several pass out the bulletin to those who you feel are in need of the gospel.
c. Efforts are being made by several to spread gospel to a group of men in the state's prison system.
d. My intention to have strong Biblical teaching from the pulpit.
e. Three Gospel mtgs. Planned this year.
3. Despite some/all efforts some (most) people do not respond in obedience to the gospel of Jesus.
a. Often for a variety of reasons - that many of us have heard before.
b. Can be discouraging to the Christian. Often wonder Am I doing any good?
4. Some after being rejected several times give up.
5. This lesson will attempt to answer the question why some people do not obey the Lord.
a. One can "chalk-up" almost every turndown to one of the following reasons.
II. They Do Not Know that they need to Obey, or How to Obey.
A. How many millions of people in the world are in this particular situation? My opinion: this is the reason why the majority of people in the world are not obedient. Most people by nature want to do that which is right - they simply need to be moved in the right direction!
1. An example of someone like this found in the NT. Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8:26-31
a. Obvious a God fearing man - v. 27 - been to Jerusalem to worship.
b. A man of high position & authority.
c. Religious to the extent that he was studying the law on his own.
d. Don't we know many in this situation?
2. Many study Bible - just like the man in Acts 8:31 - how can I understand unless someone guides me?
a. There are a variety of reasons why people have this kind of attitude today - but that's a whole different lesson.
b. Point: many people in world lack knowledge of the Bible & they need to understand that they can understand.
B. People do not obey often because they don't know how to obey!
1. How many people do not know of their condition before God?
a. Rom. 3:10, 23 - none righteous of themselves and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
b. How many truly understand that Jesus is the ONLY way (Jhn. 14:6) & that unless they obey they will be lost?
2. How many people lack knowledge of the consequences of their sin?
a. Rom. 6:23 - wages of sin is death. Gift of God = eternal life through Christ Jesus.
b. Js. 1:13-15 - lust - sin - death. Each person responsible for their own sin.
3. How many people lack knowledge of God's plan of salvation?
a. believe (Jhn. 8:24) + Repentance (Acts 2:38) + Confession (Rom. 10:10) + Baptism (1Pet. 3:21) = Salvation (Mk. 16:16)
b. How many understand that they must remain faithful in order to reach the goal of heaven? See Rev. 2:10
C. How will people find out these things? - Back to Acts 8:35.
1. Preach/teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. What happens when this is done? Read Acts 8:36-39.
2. We can/should be doing the same. Back to Mt. 28 - this is our duty; this is our responsibility to tell as many as possible the truth of the gospel.
3. Perhaps while we've been going through this lesson you've been thinking of people you know who are in this condition.
4. Why wait any longer? Fulfill your obligation and try to help them see where they stand before God!
III. They Don't See the Importance.
A. General attitude among Americans today? “I don’t care what goes on in someone else’s life as long as it does not bother/affect me.” With many religion/Christianity is someone else’s problem. Obeying the Lord is just not a high priority in life.
1. The devils fault? Partly – seduces mankind into thinking only of him.
2. Man’s fault? Caught up in the pleasure of the world, worldly knowledge, and life itself.
3. Oh how sad it is. A key to evangelism is trying to get people to understanding the eternal importance of religion & living in a pleasing manner before God.
B. Acts 24:22-25 – Felix did not think responding to the gospel enough for mankind.
1. Context of chapter: Paul standing before men defending his life against charges brought up against him by the Jews.
a. Read v. 14-16 – Paul believed it important to express his belief in God & demonstrate his dedication.
b. Stated that he was innocent of the charges against him.
2. v. 22 – Felix had knowledge of the way.
a. Christianity been on scene for around 20-25 yrs. At this time. The gospel proclamation had spread over the entire known world.
b. Procrastination. Perhaps he did believe. But not important enough to him to obey.
3. v. 24 – Called Paul in again to hear about faith in Christ. Wife with him.
a. v. 25 – reasoned, pondered thought on these things.
b. Reasoned to the point that he was afraid.
c. Something kept holding him back.
d. Stirred, but still felt Christianity not significant enough for salvation, or what Paul spoke at that time as being significant.
4. Played into devil’s hand. Let’s take time & think this out…put it off….we don’t know if he ever responded or not.
C. Friends, we need to react with urgency! Need to let those who are around us see the urgency. Not only urgency for us but for them to realize the urgency around the situation concerning their soul.
1. “Urgency” – demanding immediate attention.
2. Not only do people of the world often tarry in obedience but also many Christians tarry in getting the word out! Why so many drag their feet?
3. Acts 22:16 - And Now Why Tarriest Thou? OKJV
a. "tarry" (wait - NKJV) from Greek word "mellow"
b. "Mellow" = relaxed - comfortable - complacent
c. Ananias says to Paul concerning his baptism: "Don't be mellow! Get on with it!
d. We should get on with telling people of gospel & make them understand importance of getting on w/obeying God.
4. Why urgent?
a. 2 Cor. 5:9-11 – all mankind will stand before God & give account of their actions before God.
1. Notice esp. v. 11 knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.
2. Do we realize what Paul saying? Can we see sense of urgency in his writing?
3. Do we today act with the same urgency?
b. Js. 4:14-17 – life is a vapor!
1. w/o warning – life can end! People stand before God to answer for actions. Can we help people be prepared for that appt?
2. Are you prepared for that appointment?
3. Heb. 9:27
4. Must make people understand significance of obedience/and that they need to respond to that?
D. Obedience to God the most important thing that a person will ever do.
1. People often recognized for many important things they do.
a. ’98 Noble Peace Price – Bill Clinton – war in Bosnia to end.
b. Community Service Award – award outstanding people in the community.
c. People at work often recognized for good job, etc.
2. Obedience to God often not realized by world as being that important, but make no mistake – if one fails to obey God – he has lost it all!!! See Mt. 16:26
IV. They Are Afraid They Aren't Good Enough.
A. Mt. 9:10-13 - some feel that there are those who aren't good enough. This attitude NOT pleasing to God. No Christian should have these feelings.
1. Some actually feel they aren't good enough!
a. "I've done terrible things that God will not forgive me."
b. "It's no good - I'll just sin again."
c. "It's futile, etc."
2. To their credit, their people realize their lack of worth.
a. Humble, contrite - this is the way that God would have us to be!
b. Humble so much that they don't act!
B. We must understand that the grace of God has been extended to all men! All men have sinned & through Christ have opportunity to take advantage of gift of God - Rom. 6:23
1. Man on his own = not worthy.
2. Jhn. 1:27 - John the Baptist realized it.
3. Mt. 8:8 - Centurion realized it.
C. But salvation a gift that man must do something to obtain. Don't fall into trap of Satan.
1. This is what Satan wants you to think!
2. So many succumb to this!
V. Some Afraid to Commit.
A. Acts 25:27-28 - King Agrippa - famous words - You almost persuade me to become a Christian.
1. Why? Perhaps he would have to give up various things.
2. Drinking, carousing, fornicating, etc.
3. Many today use same excuse!
B. Know what to do - know they aren't right before God - know how to be saved.
1. How can anyone in this condition lay their head down at night?
2. Lk. 9:62 - If we don't put our eyes on the goal (hand on the plow) & move toward the goal of heaven through obedience - no hope of eternal life whatsoever!
C. People in this condition look only at short-term discomforts.
1. Feel how terrible to make sacrifices for Christ now!
2. Feel that sacrifice NOW not worth it.
3. Consider long-term discomforts - Rev. 14:11; Mt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9
VI. They Don't Want to Obey.
A. Matter of one's want to (attitude)
B. Some just not willing to obey because:
1. Sin hardened their heart - Heb. 3:12-13
2. Js. 4:17 - don't care if they sin
C. Rebellion against God is what the problem is.
1. Some defy God at all costs!
2. Prov. 17:11
D. Simply - unless they open their heart to God - they are lost!
VII. Conclusion.
A. Have YOU obeyed God? If Not:
1. Is it b/c you don't know your need or how to obey?
2. Is it b/c you do not understand the importance of obedience or the urgency of the situation?
3. Is it b/c you feel you aren't good enough?
4. Is it b/c you are afraid to commit to God?
5. Is it b/c you don't want to?
B. If you are here & have not obeyed God - all objections should have been answered this AM. You will have no excuse if you continue as you are and have to stand before God unprepared because you had an opportunity to obey Him.
C. Do so today.
D. I N V I T A T I O N