April 27, 2008 pm

Securing Commitment

TEXT: 2 Tim. 1:12

INTRODUCTION:

A. PAUL USES WORD "COMMITTED" IN THIS VERSE.

B. HE IS TALKING ABOUT PUTTING JESUS FIRST( Matt. 6:33 ).

1. Not just saying he's first.

2. No just getting real emotional.

C. WE ARE MISSING COMMITMENT TODAY.

I. COMMITMENT ILLUSTRATED:

A. LEVI & OTHER APOSTLES( Luke 5:27-28; Mat. 19:27 ).

B. THE RICH YOUNG RULER( Mat. 19:16-22 ).

C. Matt. 13:44-46. "ALL THAT HE HAD."

D. PAUL( 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 12:15; Gal. 2:20 ).

II. THIS KIND OF COMMITMENT COMMANDED.

A. GOING TO HEAVEN INVOLVES STRUGGLE( Luke 13:24 ).

B. WE MUST PUT JESUS AHEAD OF ALL ELSE( Luke 14:26-27 ).

C. Matt. 16:26.

D. DO WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES?

III. HOW DO WE SECURE THIS COMMITMENT? SEVERAL POPULAR METHODS USED TODAY ARE WRONG.

A. SOCIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES. Hospitals, counseling, welfare.

1. Not the purpose of the church( Rom. 14:17 ).

2. Not the work God gave the church( 2 John 9 ).

B. RECREATION, SOCIALIZING, SOCIAL CONTACT. Softball, camps, youth groups, church sponsored social events (2 John 9 ).

C. MIRACLES, DONE AWAY WITH ANYWAY.

1. Faith stands apart from these( 1 Cor. 1:22-24; 2:2 ).

2. Seeks fleshly gratification( Rom. 14:17 ).

D. PRESTIGE, reflected in wealth, building, size, preacher.

1. Condemnation of Jesus( Mat. 23:5; Rev. 3:1 ).

2. Contrary to the spirit of Jesus( Luke 19:10; James 2:1-9 ).

E. THE PREACHER HIMSELF.

1. Preacheritus: Glenn Barnhardt in Ashfork.

2. Personality, funny, delivery( 1 Cor. 2:1-5; Rom 16:17-18 ).

3. Tell them what they want to hear( 2 Tim. 4:3-4; 2 Pet. 2:17-19 ).

F. FLESHLY INDUCEMENTS - WHAT HOLDS THEM?( John 6:66 ).

G. COERCION: Heavy handedness, Crossroads/discipling tactics, regimentation that robs on of choice( Rev. 22:17 ), Binding heavy burdens.

VI. ONLY ONE CORRECT METHOD OF SECURING TRUE COMMITMENT.

A. 2 Tim. 1:12. THRU CONVICTION.

1. Such conviction derives from teaching( Rom. 10:17 ).

2. The gospel is God's power( Rom. 1:16-17 ).

3. Reflected in the attitude & tactics of the teacher ( 2 Tim. 2:24-26; 2 Cor. 10:3-6 ).

B. SO WHAT CAN WE DO?( 2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 20:26-31; 1 Tim. 4:6, 12, 16 ).

CONCLUSION:

A. WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO SECURE YOUR COMMITMENT FOR THE LORD?

B. TO SAY MORE THAN THE BIBLE OR USE SOME OTHER METHOD WOULD BE SIN.

C. John 8:31-32,