Don't Quit- Open Your Heart Series

Series: Action [#110]

DON’T QUIT- OPEN YOUR HEART

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Introduction:

On Monday, I made it into work a few hours late due to having some medical tests. While I was gone, my student workers decided to rearrange my office to clean; and then decided that it was better that way. Imagine my surprise when I walked in to the 2 of them moving stuff around. They did offer to put it back. When asked what I thought, “I said it was fine”. They wanted a more enthusiastic reply, (which I did not give them); but honestly it gave me more room. Why did they think I would be ok with the change? Because, I have been open to other changes.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

During a time in our Nation when every day is a fight, what do you do as a Christian to make a difference? Open your heart. Paul tells us not to just open our hearts; but to open them wide. How do you do that?

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Open your heart by not…

1. Wasting God’s grace.

We are saved through the mercy and grace of God. God did not give us what we deserve, which is eternal death. Instead, He showed us grace by offering us something we do not deserve- Salvation. Do not take that for granted. The grace of God is a very powerful thing- Through Jesus, we can be eternally saved.

Today is the day of salvation. People cannot afford to wait until tomorrow to be saved. You have no idea what will happen tomorrow. Christians must keep lifting up Jesus to those around them- Don’t get in the way of people being saved. If people being saved and discipled is not your priority, then you need to seriously examine your life. Christians must stop being the barrier between the lost and Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:3

Open your heart by not…

2. Causing trouble for others.

Often times, it is Christians who cause others to stumble. We put things in front of them that keeps them from Jesus. Things like money, position, popularity, etc… keeps many from seeing the need for a Savior. The behavior of Christians can be a stumbling block. The ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be protected. Don’t be the reason people want nothing to do with God.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10

Open your heart by not…

3. Giving up.

In every way, we need to show that we are servants of God. Don’t quit. Look at the things that try to stop us.

Never give up, even though you face…

* Troubles.

* Difficulties.

* Problems of every kind.

* Physical abuse.

* Prison.

* Hard physical work.

* Sleeplessness.

* Hunger.

Although all of these things that make you want to quit might be happening, you must continue to show that you are God’s servants.

You show that you are God’s servant by…

* Your pure life.

* Your understanding.

* Your patience.

* Your kindness.

* Your love.

* Speaking the truth.

* Depending on God’s power.

As you go through life as a Christian, you have to be careful who you listen to. You will get both sides of everything you do.

Some people…

* Honor us while others shame us.

* Say good things about us while others say bad things.

* Say we are liars while we speak the truth.

* Do not know us while others know us well.

* Think we are dying while we continue to live.

* Punish us while we do not die.

* See us as being sad while others see us rejoicing.

* See us as being poor while others see us as being rich in faith.

* See us as having nothing while others know we have everything.

Conclusion:

I want us to end with the same Scripture that we began with.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13