Sermon Central
-
Things From Which We Cannot Escape
Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 12, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: There are things from which we cannot escape. We may think that whatever inevitable things there are, such are not our concern. We may be even aware of them but we don’t care. Yet inevitable things will come overtime. I hope and pray that it won’t be too
Intro: There are things from which we cannot escape. We may think that whatever inevitable things there are, such are not our concern. We may be even aware of them but we don’t care. Yet inevitable things will come overtime. I hope and pray that it won’t be too late when you discover that you’ll never be free from them and the ends they bring. Let us consider 7 things the Bible says are inescapable in life:
1. WE CAN’T ESCAPE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. We are answerable to God with: (a) the thoughts we have in our hearts and mind (Psa. 94:11); (2) the words we speak (Matt. 12:36); and (3) the works we do (Job 34:21). Everything we think, say or do is seen and known by God and will eventually be exposed and judged (Luke 8:17). We will never escape the fact that we are answerable to our Creator! We cannot escape the eyes of the Lord (Prov. 15:3). This truth should stop us from sinning, and cause us to always be on guard of our thoughts, words and deeds.
2. WE CAN’T ESCAPE HAVING AN INFLUENCE. Our words, deeds and lifestyle influence (either good or bad) the people around us. This is especially true if we are in some position of leadership or in a situation where people observe every move and act you take. Jesus taught that his disciples must influence the world for good (Matt. 5:13, 16). Man’s influence may leave a positive impact on his companions or, to the contrary, corrupt his fellows (I Cor. 15:33 cf. 5:6b).
3. WE CAN’T ESCAPE TROUBLES (Job. 14:1; Psa. 88:3). This is a reality of life which people refuse to believe and accept. When trials and problems come, people blame God and ask if they deserve the afflictions. There are only three people in this world who do not have problems: (1) pretenders or lying people; (2) the mentally sick; and, (3) the dead. Even Christians would like to believe that they of all people should have far less problems, but NO! God never promised a bed of roses for believers but rather to be with them and provide a way of escape in trials (I Cor. 10:13).
4. WE CAN’T ESCAPE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN (Gal. 6:7-8). We can’t sow rice and reap corn. This is true in agriculture and equally true in spiritual matters. Men may choose to take alcohol, tobacco and drugs and can’t expect to be physically, mentally and emotionally stable. Substance abusers tend to deceive themselves that they can escape the effects of their evil vices. Oftentimes, a man’s suffering is a direct result of his previous sins and wrong choices. Sin both ends in physical & eternal death (Rom. 8:13; Jas. 1:15b).
5. WE CAN’T ESCAPE DEATH (Heb. 9:27). Unless Jesus comes first, we all have a date with death! I pray the fact that – life is too short and death is sure – will help us prepare for the inevitable. Truly, life is uncertain for all (Jas. 4:13-15). Even healthy people die very young. Yet for the believer, death is gain since it ends all his earthly afflictions and burdens. Death will take the believer to presence of the Lord (II Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:21). In contrast, death is a terror for the sinner for it will end all his chances to repent and be saved. Death will open Hell’s gates for the sinner!
6. WE CAN’T ESCAPE JUDGMENT (Heb. 9:27). Like man’s death, his judgment has been pre-appointed by God (Eccl. 12:14). It will be personal and individual. Man will be judged by the very words of the Lord and the Gospel (John 12:48; Rom. 2:16). All possible excuses will be heard yet rejected when you meet God face to face on Judgment Day!
7. WE CAN’T ESCAPE MAKING A DECISION (Heb. 2:3a). Unsaved friend, you need to prepare now while the door of opportunity is open. We don’t know when the Lord will come or when death overtakes us. Truth is, there is but a step between you and death (I Sam.20:3). The time to prepare to meet your God and Maker is now! (II Cor. 6:2b)
Conclusion: God has always held men responsible for their eternal destiny. What you think, say, and do today will matter in eternity. In the NT, a man must come to God through Christ. God has set the terms for man to obtain forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation requires personal repentance and faith before God (Acts 20:21). No other person can do this for you!
