A Growing Commitment
Introduction
1. Having been convinced of the truth of the gospel, you made a decision to commit yourself to Jesus and the truth (Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5-6; 1 Peter 1:22).
2. This commitment is essential if we hope to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
3. However, commitment is something that must be maintained and nurtured. In this lesson we will suggest three ways in which we can begin to develop a deeper commitment.
I. A Commitment To Jesus And The Interests Of The Kingdom
A. Jesus called men to follow Him. Why?
1. He is the source of eternal life (John 3:16; 6:54, 68; 10:28; 17:2-3) that men seek (John 5:39).
2. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 1:17; 14:6).
3. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3): redemption (Romans 3:23), freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1), freedom from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2), given spiritual life (1 Corinthians 15:22), a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), equality (Galatians 3:28).
B. Jesus must come first in our lives (Mark 12:30; Matthew 6:24).
1. Jesus must come before worldly affairs (Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62).
2. Jesus must be our first love (Luke 14:26).
3. Jesus must be our only master (Matthew 6:24-25).
C. The concerns of the kingdom must come first (Matthew 6:33).
1. Jesus wants you to be born again (John 3:5). Save yourself first.
2. Jesus wants you to be a fisher of men (Mark 1:17).
3. Jesus wants you to put the concerns of the kingdom above worldly concerns (Luke 9:59-62).
II. What Steps Can I Take To Deepen My Commitment?
A. Constantly remind yourself of the motive for your commitment.
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (1 John 4:10. > Romans 5:8. > John 3:16. > Ephesians 2:8).
B. Read, study, and pray on a regular basis.
1. Stick to a daily reading plan (Ephesians 3:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-16).
2. Devote time each day to study and research of a particular Bible subject (John 5:39; Acts 17:11). Reading and studying will increase our faith >>Luke 17:5. > Romans 10:17.
3. For those with families, have a gathering/devotional in the evenings.
C. "Members” in particular (1 Corinthians 12:27).
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called His own servants, and delivered unto them His goods. And unto one He gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his several ability; and straightaway took His journey" (Matthew 25:14-15).
1. Discover your God-given talents and learn how best to use them for the edification and growth of the body.
2. Find out what efforts are being made, on a corporate level, to preach the gospel, and volunteer to get involved.
Conclusion
1. Our initial commitment to Christ is something that we must continue to maintain and develop. It will not just simply ’happen’.
2. In this lesson I have suggested three steps that we can all take to help us have a growing commitment to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
a. Keep the motive for your commitment in mind.
b. Read, study, and pray on a regular basis.
c. Use your talents and get involved in the work.
