Sermon Central
-
Responsibility Comes With The Gift
Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 16, 2008 (message contributor)
RESPONSIBILITY COMES WITH THE GIFT
As Clayton J. Schmit put it in his commentary on our text:
The moment of birth is one of unspeakable joy. Yet, if parents stopped to count the cost of taking a child home (which, fortunately, they never do) they might be tempted to turn the gift down.
The cost of baby food and diapers, sleepless nights and worrisome days, braces for the teeth, clothes and school supplies and college tuition, and repairs to the fenders of the family car, heartaches and disappointments, and weddings; it would not be surprising for a young parent to say, "No thanks. I think I'll pass on the gift." [2]
Clearly, the gift of a child brings responsibilities. But it also brings tremendous joy to every loving parent.
Dr. Schmit goes on to say that the same kind of responsibilities come with God's gift of his kingdom. They are not insignificant responsibilities. We are to give up the materialistic way of the world, and share our wealth with those in need. We are to work toward expanding God's kingdom to those we meet, love our neighbors as ourselves, and witness to others that we know the redeeming love of God. It too, is a gift that if one was to stop and calculate the responsibilities, might terrify the recipient.
Yet along with these demanding responsibilities, the gift of God's kingdom also brings with it the joy of knowing God's redeeming grace, of not having to carry the burden of our sins and failures around like an iron fetter attached to our ankles. And most importantly, the gift of God's kingdom offers the hope of new life, as we realize that we are members of God's extended family.
(From Ronald Harbaugh's Sermon "The Kingdom Is God's Gift to the Church, Not Individuals")
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Wife Went With Her Friend To The Police Station ... PRO
Contributed by Bo Dunford on Apr 15, 2005
A wife went with her friend to the police station to report that her husband was missing! * When the policeman asked for a description, she said, “He’s 6 foot 2, has deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, athletic build, well-groomed and sharply dressed, weighs 185 pounds .......” * “He’s ...read more
-
Consider This Short Poem Entitled "Power Of ... PRO
Contributed by Chris Hodges on Jul 28, 2003
Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word ...read more
-
How Do I Know He Lives? PRO
Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 11, 2003
How Do I Know He Lives? How do I know that Christ has risen? What proof have I to give? He touched my life one blessed day, And I began to live. How do I know he left the tomb That morning long ago? I met Him just this morning, And my heart is still aglow. How do I know the endless ...read more
-
It Was Said That Mr. Ericsson Of Colgate ... PRO
Contributed by Joel Santos on Sep 23, 2004
It was said that Mr. Ericsson of Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Inc. gave 90% of his income intead of 10% to God. He challenged the Lord by his ...read more
-
True Biblical Worship So Satisfies Our Total ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Aug 10, 2003
True biblical worship so satisfies our total personality that we don’t have to shop around for man-made substitutes. William Temple made this clear in his masterful definition of worship: For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Marks Of A Successful Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
What is the REAL evidence of a successful church.
-
The Spirit Of The Mixed Multitude
Contributed by Babatunmishe Oke on Apr 24, 2013
Dealing with thoae who try to sabotage the church and the children of God
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.
-
Evaluating Your Ministry Mindset Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Nov 9, 2014
A sermon examining the primary focus of our ministry.
-
Why The Church Series
Contributed by John Sears on Jun 12, 2014
In our culture where the influence of the church is diminishing, why should we BE the church? The answer is found in the identity of Jesus and the promises he makes about the Kingdom he is establishing (the church).
