Problem Lack of Commitment One of the problems

Problem: Lack of Commitment ØOne of the problems that plagues the church today is a lack of commitment by its members. o Underlying the lack of commitment appears to be the lack of conviction. üIf we are to grow and serve God acceptably, then we must have conviction!

Bible Examples Conviction Convenience üJoseph (Gen. 39: 5 -13) üMoses (Heb. 11: 2428) üJoshua and Caleb (Num. 13: 30; 14: 6 -9) v. Nadab & Abihu (Lev. 10: 1 -3) v. Jeroboam (1 Ki. 12: 2533) v. Peter (Lk. 22: 54 -62) v. Felix (Acts 24: 25)

Contemporary Examples of Convenience v. False doctrine of salvation by faith only (Cf. Jas. 2: 14 -26) v“Once Saved Always Saved” false doctrine (Cf. Heb. 10: 26 -31) v. Not willing to search for the truth (Acts 17: 10 -12) v. Lower standards in choosing a church (1 Tim. 3: 15; Jude 1: 3) v. Catering to man’s desire for eating & drinking, rather than righteousness & holiness (Rom. 14: 17)

Examining & Testing Ourselves (Convenience vs. Conviction) v. CON-formed vs. TRANS-formed (Rom. 12: 1 -2) v. Staying home vs. Attending Bible study & worship (Heb. 10: 24 -25; Rom. 12: 10) v. Television, computer, smart phones, wholesome entertainment vs. Reading, studying, & growing (1 Peter 2: 1 -2; Heb. 5: 12 -14)

Examining & Testing Ourselves (Convenience vs. Conviction) v. Cares of this life vs. Times of prayer (Rom. 12: 12; Eph. 6: 18; 1 Thess. 5: 17) v. Obligation vs. Cheerful giving (1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 9: 6 -7) v. Apathy vs. Zeal (Tit. 2: 14; Phil. 2: 12; 1 Jn. 3: 16 -18). v. Initiative vs. Putting off for later (Isa. 55: 6 -7; Acts 24: 25; 2 Cor. 6: 2; Heb. 3: 13) v. Giving in to temptation vs. Overcoming (1 Jn. 5: 4; Matt. 18: 15; 2 Cor. 4: 7 -18)

Conclusion üThe convenient path has always been available! üHowever, our faith & actions must be based on what is true & holy, rather than what is comfortable. üCommitment to the Lord, to His church, and to the local work requires CONVICTION (Matt. 16: 24). üWhat are you going to do with this lesson?