Commitment
Psalms 37:1-5, Note verse five, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
Intro: In order to have revival this week, there are many things that we will need in abundance. First and foremost is the power of God, but that is something we can not generate in and of ourselves. We can, however, put ourselves in a position where God will faithfully send his power. The question that I have asked myself is, “What do we need most to put ourselves in position to receive this revival power?” I thought of many things, but the only thing that encompassed everything that we need is commitment. There is a greater void of commitment in the church world today than ever. But if we are to have revival this week in this wicked and untoward generation, it will require commitment of us. There is a great need for commitment. Note verses 3-5 of our text. If we will but commit to Christ our lives and trust, we can have great things. Nothing is too big for God. No mountain is too high, no valley to low, no river too wide, no giant too tall, no problem too great, no time too wicked, no sinner to far gone. You can’t ask too much of my God!! We simply need to get committed to him.
Commitment: a contractual engagement involving the fulfillment of an obligation. To give over to another the care or use of something; to entrust. To pledge oneself to a particular position or course of action. Spiritually: identification and involvement with the person and purpose of Jesus Christ. Commitment brings about a responsibility to availability!
You see, God requires of us obedience, not accomplishment (Example: Isaiah preached to a nation whose ears and eyes were closed, but he was successful because of obedience and commitment instead of accomplishments). True commitment will result in obedience. Spurgeon said, “Faith and obedience are in the same bundle. He who obeys trusts God, and he who trusts God obeys him.”
• Certain opposition to commitment to God
1. Opposition From Within: This is the greatest opposition we will face. We are too busy! We have a Love of comfort! It is not convenient to our lifestyles or goals to serve God! (Illustration: Man told me Friday that he was looking for a church where he could attend once in a while, but he did not have to get involved or committed to anything.)
2. Opposition From Without: persecution! Many of these persecutions are really opportunities. (Illustrate: A man was shipwrecked and used all that he had to build him a little shed to live in. He made himself reasonably comfortable. Lightning hit it one night and burned it to the ground. In anger he questioned why God would do this to him, but a rescue ship saw the smoke from the fire and rescued him!) Quit looking at the opposition and see the opportunities!
• There Is A Promise of Provision: God gives grace to carry out service for the committed soul. God’s work done in God’s way never runs out of God’s supply.
• There Is A Demand for Holiness: The Holy God requires holiness in a committed life. We should be: motivated by love, work unto the Lord, strive to benefit others, seek to glorify God
May we become truly committed! We should commit to God today:
I. In Salvation: II Timothy 1:12b, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Acts 16:31, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Eph 2:11 13 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
II. In Service: To God and to man. David was called a man who served his generation (Acts 13:36). Christ made himself a servant unto us. He washed the disciples’ feet. (Illustration: I went to see Margaret West in the Hospital only moments after her car wreck this week. The first thing she said to me was, “I got the church and fellowship hall cleaned today.” I thanked God for knowing people with that kind of devotion!) What is serving God? What does it mean to serve God?
A. Keeping oneself unspotted from worldliness is one form of service.
B. Reading- study of God’s Word
C. Praying, unequivocally is a service to God. For by praying for others you become a servant unto them, and in serving even the least of these his brethren, you have served God.
D. Paying tithes, giving offerings is service to God
E. Being a witness, rearing your children properly, setting an example in holiness and love, teaching, preaching, singing, and all the physical things one might do for the church and in the church are services to God.
III. In Any Situation: Bartimeaus sat by the wayside calling on Christ. His friends told him to hold his peace, but he did let them stop him (Mark 10:46-52)! (Illustrate: Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah. Ruth would not leave her mother-in-law. Orpah claimed that she would not leave, but after a while left discouraged. It was Ruth who was blessed. Ruth 1:7-18)
Conclusion: I wonder this week, how committed are you to getting a touch from the power of God? Have you already made excuses as to why you will not and can not get involved in this meeting? Is there anything between you and God? Are you fully committed to him?
