Eliminating the “Left Overs”

Introduction:

Society enjoys keeping its options open rather than making binding commitments. Reluctance to make binding commitments is also seen in religion. There are many “religious” people – but little commitment above the minimums. Little commitment & minimal service have a strong grip on the church that is hampering church growth & prosperity. Whether we wish to admit it or not – we are squeezing spiritual service out of our lives. Gospel requires commitment of the highest order – Lk. 9:57-62 Some Christians must awake; arise; and strengthen the things that remain & increase service to the King.

I.  Eliminating the Left-overs:

A.    Poor attendance. Heb. 10:25

B.    poor time management – Eph. 5:15-17

C.   Poor giving – God’s portion should come first. 2 Cor. 9:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2

D.   Those in leadership capacities w/in the congregation must be aware of their responsibility!  abundance in work & diligence are expected!

1.    Leadership requires ACTION – not mere PROFESSION.

II. These are merely symptoms of a much greater problem:

A.    Such as:

1.    A poor relationship w/God;  A lessened amount of love for Jesus

2.    a low appreciation of our salvation; A weak desire to go home to heaven.

III. Congregations that do not want leftover service must help individuals build better relationships w/Jesus.

A.    Must change our attitude.

1.    Do I serve God because I want to?  Or…because I feel that I have to?

2.    Rom. 6:17 – Romans obeyed from the heart.  So must we!

B.    We will serve God when we realize how much we need Him.

1.    We need Him to forgive us of our sins – Eph. 2:8-10

2.    We need Him to share our burdens – Mt. 11:28-30

3.    We need Him because the devil is real –1 Pet. 5:8-9

C.   We will want to serve God when we realize the vileness of our sin.

1.    What does God think of sin? Psa. 5:4-6; Pro. 3:32; 11:20

a)    Pictured as pollution to the soul – Isa. 1:18; Psa. 51:7

b)    Sin must become something repulsive to us! 

1)    Psa. 26:5; 101:3-4; 119:104; Pro. 29:27

D.   We will want to serve God when we fully appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice.

1.    Rom. 5:8-10; 1 John 4:10 Eph. 1:6-8 – note: he lavished on us.

2.    How much are we willing to demonstrate our appreciation?

E.    We will want to serve God when we take time to learn about Him.

1.    God gives us opportunity to know Him through His word. 2 Tim. 2:15

Conclusion:

A.    Will you today make a personal promise to: 

1.    No longer give God the leftovers? Faithfully attend every service possible?  Give cheerfully & abundantly?

B.    The better relationship w/God – the better our service will be!