Commitment to Jesus

I. Text: 1 John 3:13-18

II. Definition

A. What it is (Quick Review)

B. Some define it as a promise or a determination to do something. When we commit to do something, we pledge ourselves to accomplish what we have planned. It is interesting that we also use the word to describe the process of consigning one to prison for we put them in a place of no escape. In commitment, we consign ourselves to fulfill what we have begun, becoming a willing prisoner to our desire to become something more than what we are.

C. Commitment requires a determination to reach one’s objectives no matter what the obstacle.

D. A person who is not committed will usually give up on his goal at the first sign of trouble, opposition, or difficulty. A wholly committed person will work through any difficulties in order to realize a goal. Commitments are hard but that is what makes the rewards so sweet. Commitment requires an object or goal to which we pledge ourselves.

E. How do we do it?

F. We determine what God wants us to do, through study of His word, and pledge to keep His commandments. When we feel like giving up, we do not; we seek help, we pray, we find the inner strength to continue when our mind is telling us to give up.

G. We realistically accept obstacles as necessary, setbacks as part of the journey, and opposition as expected.

H. The devil does not want you to please God

I. He will throw obstacles in your way and try to stop you He will try to frustrate you so you will give up God promises His strength for us, Ephesians 6:10-13.

III. Commitment to the Lord

A. In our lives

B. Take up cross daily; Luke 9:23-25 Luke 9:62: “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’.”

C. Poor commitment leads to poor life

D. The most miserable people in the world are those who cannot leave the world and devote themselves totally to God. They cannot enjoy the passing pleasures of sin for they know that they must answer about it before God; but they cannot enjoy the riches of a devoted, intimate life with God because they will not give up the world.

E. He demands all to give us all, Luke 14:25-35

F. We must put all loves behind Jesus. If we do not, we are useless in His service.

IV. Commitment to the Lord’s work

A. Participation in worship

B. Worship is not a spectator event, Colossians 3:12-17. Hebrews 10:24-25 – We must exhort one another

C. Participation in the work

D. Sometimes a few people do the work that many could do.“They do not give me anything to do” –attached In my prior work environments, I have often found two types of people: those who would do what you told them to do and those who sought work to do. We need to seek work in the Lord’s kingdom

E. Financial support

F. We have a financial obligation to the work here. It is a privilege to be able to share our money in the preaching of the gospel and the growth of the kingdom in this area. Some need to be better stewards of their money in order to give appropriately. Some need to love the work of the Lord more to give appropriately. No one is going to tell you how much to give or whether your giving is appropriate to your situation; you must make that decision.

G. Supporting the elders

H. God has given them to us to shepherd our souls and oversee the work. They have a great responsibility for which they must give an account. We must respect them for their work’s sake, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13. We must not grieve them, Hebrews 13:17. We must respect their decisions; if we disagree we must talk with them.

I. We must never try to undermine their authority or influence.

J. If they are sinning, rebuke publicly, 1 Timothy 5:19-20. If it is a matter of disagreement, we must talk with them then drop it. Remember Korah of Numbers 16.

V. Commitment to our brethren

A. Peace among ourselves

B. When we are at peace, not only is it easier on the elders, it is easier on one another. Divisiveness is carnal, 1 Corinthians 3:3.

C. Support one another

D. Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens Philippians 2:1-4 – Esteem and serve one another1 John 3:13-18 – Love shown in actions

E. Edify one another

F. Ephesians 4:16 – each part edifies the other parts1 Cor. 10:24: “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”

G. Guard one another

H. James 5:16-20 – pray for one another and rebuke the sinners Jude 20-22 – Wisely help those who have need Galatians 4:16: “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”

I. Remember our mutual relationship to God, 1 John 3:1; 4:20-21

VI. How often have you heard this complaint, or one similar, from some church member who was bored, inactive, disgruntled, or disconnected?

VII. “They” asked you to let them know what you could, would, or wanted to do. Did you?

VIII. “They” provided general study and training classes to help you develop your talents and qualify for Christian service. You were urged to attend. Did you?

IX. “They” arranged occasions of fellowship to help you broaden your opportunities for service. You were invited to attend. Did you?

X. “They” organized a program of visitation and invited you to take part. Did you?

XI. “They” announced the names of the people who were sick, so you could visit or render assistance to them. Did you?

XII. “They” reported the needs for workers to meet some emergency about the building and grounds. All members were asked to volunteer for a work day. Did you?

XIII. “They” suggested that you brighten the day of a shut-in or elderly person by means of a visit or phone call. Did you?

XIV. “They” invited you to attend all services regularly so that you might grow in grace and knowledge and establish a background of faithfulness that would make your service effective. Did you?

XV. “They” called attention to those who visited the church services as people with a ready-made interest in the religion of Christ. It was suggested that you welcome and visit them. Did you?

XVI. “They” invited you to consult the elders or minister about any questions, complaints, needs, or problems. Did you?

XVII. “They” asked you to put into daily practice what you learned from your Bible and what you heard from the pulpit and classroom. Did you?

XVIII. Now just how much more do you have time to do? I’m sure that if you let them know, “they” can think of something.

XIX. Many churches sing a song that says, “There is work that we all can do.” There is plenty work to be done in God’s kingdom by each of us without waiting for someone to “give” us something to do. As Jesus says, “Lift up your eyes, and look at the fields” (John 4:35). If we will just look, we will all find plenty to do in service to God.