In Times Like These, Will You Do Whatever It Takes?

IN TIMES LIKE THESE, WILL YOU DO WHATEVER IT TAKES?

Colossians 3:23

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Intro: Many in our society have lost focus on what is important and many have come to a place of compromise. Instead of teaching the word of God, many have come to a place of pleasing men rather than seeking to please God. In verse 23 we see that The Word of God says Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, we are supposed to do the will of the Father. In fact, in John 14:15, Jesus said if ye love me keep my commandments, we don’t seem to have any that are willing to keep His commandments, and we don’t have any that are willing to do whatever it takes to please God. I’ve never seen a day like today, where the people of the church say we need and want a man with a backbone that will stand on God’s word never wavering and never compromising and then when they God gives them that man, they tear him down for preaching the truth. I’ve never seen a time like we have now where people are so caught up in feeling good when they leave the House of God, that if the man of God preaches truth they will not come back. We are living in a generation where if one little thing hurts somebody’s feelings then they throw up their hands and quit on the ministry God has placed them in, I’ll say this God never saves anybody for them to just sit around and do nothing, if we are to see a change in these trying times we are going to have to make up or mind to do, whatever it takes to serve the Lord. In the context of this chapter Paul expresses a question in verse 1 of chapter 3 he says: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. What I gather him to be saying is that if you are saved and you are living in the spirit and not the flesh then you are to seek those things which are above. Layup treasures in heaven, get in the field and do the work God has called you to do. We are to be a living breathing testimony for Christ. So I ask you today are you willing to do whatever it takes to please God? Well if you are, then you must understand there are a few things you are going to have to do. Look with me in the Word of the Lord, and let’s see what God requires from us if we are ever going to serve Him.

1. WE MUST REALIZE OUR POSITION IN CHRIST V 1-9

We walk around like a bunch of whipped pups, like we have lost our best friend and if we are ever going to do what God wants us to then we a going to have to realize we have a high position in Christ, we are living in a day where we can’t talk about Christ or share His love because we are afraid of being persecuted. We are a generation of scaredy cats, the ministry isn’t for the week, if your week get out, because God is interested in using people who aren’t scared to take a stand for Him. If you are saved, then God has not given you the spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind.

“Keep your fears to yourself; share your courage with others.”

Robert Louis Stevenson.

We Have been,

• Given a new Love V.2

• Given a new Life V.3-4

• Given a new Language V.8

2. WE MUST REALIZE OUR PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST

We have a duty, and a calling on our lives as saints of God and that is to proclaim His Gospel.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

• We must be Dedicated

• We must be Determined

• We must have a Desire

• We must follow His Direction

• We must be Disciplined

3. WE MUST REALIZE THE POWER OF CHRIST

Hebrew 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

• He’s got the Power to save the lost

Salvation depends upon Christ's work for us, while rewards depend upon our works for Christ.

• He’s got the Power over sin

Sin, its effects: How does a worm get inside an apple? Perhaps you think the worm burrows in from the outside. No, scientists have discovered that the worm comes from inside. But how does he get in there? Simple! An insect lays an egg in the apple blossom. Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then eats his way out. Sin, like the worn, begins in the heart and works out through a person's thoughts, words, and actions.