Commitment
& Conviction Go Hand in Hand
Introduction:
It is interesting to look at
how Jesus regarded the church and salvation. In Ephesians 5:25 Paul wrote that
Jesus loved it and gave Himself for it. Jesus paid it all.
He was completely devoted to His task while on earth. See John 12:27 –
His entire purpose was to die for us. It is easy to see the commitment in
Jesus. Because of what He did, He now asks us to fully commit to Him without reservation.
See 2 Tim. 1:12 – we must unreservedly affirm this statement with Paul. Commitment
without conviction will be short lived. Conviction without commitment can be
likened to a sickly plant that will soon die. Both conviction and commitment
are needed in today’s church.
I.
What kind of commitment is needed in today’s church?
A.
Solely.
1.
See John 14:8-9 – Caleb fully followed God.
2.
Psa. 103:1 – All that is
within me, bless His holy name.
3.
1 Tim. 4:15 – Timothy was to be absorbed in His Christianity.
B.
Surrender.
1.
In Christianity – surrender precedes any victory!
2.
Mt. 16:24 – we must deny ourselves our very selves.
3.
Gal. 2:20
C.
Self. See 2 Cor. 8:5 – the example of the Macedonians.
II.
To whom and to what must we commit?
A.
We must commit to a Person – Christ.
1.
Phil. 1:21; 3:7. He is to
occupy first place – Mt. 6:33
2.
Jesus Christ must become first in our plans, affections, time,
finances, conversations, and decisions.
3.
The person who puts Jesus first will find Jesus with him in the end.
a)
If we offer Jesus 2nd place – we offer Him no place.
b)
Jesus is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.
4.
Mt. 10:29; Heb. 13:5-6
5.
1 Peter 3:15 – sanctify
Christ as Lord in your hearts.
B.
We must be committed to a Purpose.
1.
1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17
2.
It is who we are. Let us
remember who we are each day.
C.
We must be committed to a Plea.
D.
We must be committed to a place … heaven!
1.
Col. 3:1-2; Mt. 6:19-20
Conclusion:
A.
Today we have talked about:
1.
The kind of commitment needed in today’s church.
2.
Who and what we need to be committed to:
B.
Jesus – by living & dying was fully committed to us.
C.
Will you commit to Him?