Sunday, November 27, 2016 pm
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN
(3-2)
Addressing Hindrances to Becoming a Christian
This morning we noted that there are many hindrances that keep one from
obeying the gospel. These
include: 1) Unbelief in its many forms; 2) Faulty reasoning that
dismisses the need to become a Christian according to the Bible pattern;
3) Too much love for their sinful lives; 4) The consequences associated
with becoming a Christian; 5) The hypocrisy of professed believers; 6)
Ignorance to the truth – sometimes our fault; & 7) that “one thing” that
just stands in the way. As
we concluded, we mentioned some things we can do to help overcome these
hindrances.
Tonight, I want to address in greater detail this last section.
We want to notice what we can do as we deal with those who are
just not interested in obeying the gospel right now.
We will also mention some additional things.
a.
While
there are times we have some responsibility, in general, when we stand
before God, we will give an account for what we have done.
Nothing more or less.
b.
Don’t
think you are alone. 2 Tim.
3:12 – all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.
John 15:18 - Jesus said, if
they hated Him they will hate you.
IF they hate you, it is Him they are hating.
a.
You cannot
force someone into obedience.
In the parable of the sower, see falls by the wayside and the
devil immediately snatches it away (Luke 8:5, 12).
b.
Even Jesus
was not able to win them all.
In fact, MOST rejected Him!
c.
They need
to make up their minds for themselves.
They must be convicted!
Romans 14:12, each of us shall
give account of himself to God.
d.
But
knowing these things can prepare a Christian to do whatever he can to
deal with their hindrances.
e.
Realize
that hindrances and excuses will not change one’s eternal destiny.
So, if there is anything you can do for them, do it!
2 Corinthians 5:10-11
f.
ALSO, do
not use their rejection as an excuse to do nothing or go to no one else.
Far too many try to convince themselves that no one is interested.
You don’t know that and to make such a judgment is to put
yourself in place of God!
Follow the instructions of Jesus in Mathew 10:5-16 – go to a city – if
they receive you stay, if not wipe the dust off and go somewhere else.
In Acts 13:51, when Paul and Barnabas were rejected at Antioch of
Pisidia, they shook the dust off and went to Iconium.
Also Acts 18:6 in Corinth.
g.
Yes it is
true that it appears that fewer are interested, but there is someone out
there looking!
a.
With many,
this is the best we can do right now!
Philippians 2:15 – we shine as lights in the midst of this
crooked and perverse generation.
b.
Don’t
be a hypocrite!
We noted this morning that God despises hypocrites.
Give them reason to believe the truth, etc.
You can continue to show them the importance of putting God
first. You can show them the
blessings of being a child of God.
But you must be genuine – 1 Peter 1:7 speaks of the genuineness of your
faith
Matthew 5:37 – let you ‘yes’ be ‘yes’,
also James 5:12.
c.
Don’t
forget this when they are enemies as well – Matthew 5:44-48.
Don’t give them cause (1 Peter 2:11-12).
a.
1 Peter
3:15 – we must give a defense for our hope.
Many Christians are at fault because we do not take the time and
put forth the effort to really learn how to give answers for the hope in
us.
b.
2
Corinthians 10:4-5 – the weapons of our warfare (the sword of the Spirit
– Eph. 6:17) are mighty for casting down arguments.
Let the gospel do the speaking.
c.
If they
let you, study with them when you can.
Sometimes unbelievers are still willing to discuss Biblical
matters. They are just not prepared yet to change.
But you need to be prepared to give them reason to change.
d.
In this,
consider your attitude!
Handle accurately the word (2 Tim. 2:15).
Matthew 10:16, Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Listen and be patient. Also
be kind. Seek to understand
them so that you will answer correctly.
Ask them questions to clarify when you can.
e.
ALSO,
consider indirect teaching.
Give them an article or tract (or lesson if they will take the
time to listen) about some subject, live the life of a Christian is
still the best teacher.
a.
It is a
challenge to not be overly annoying and turn them off.
Don’t be salt in the wound, or a blinding light (cf. Matt.
5:13-16). Be pleasant
and someone others don’t dread to see you coming.
Yes, there are some that simply because of your faith want nothing to do
with you, but others are just not ready right now.
b.
DON’T
force a false response. If
someone is baptized just to get you off their back, are they really
saved?
c.
Maybe you
need to wait till later to try again to win them.
d.
Offer to
study with them later. Give
them an open invitation to call you.
e.
But don’t
give up – Galatians 6:9. As
long as there is breath, there is hope.
a.
Yes we are
in the world, but not of the world.
Be cautious in dealing with the worldly.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump – Galatians 5:9.
Evil company corrupts good habits – 1 Corinthians 15:33.
b.
Do not be
unequally yoked with unbelievers - 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18 – come out
from among them!
a.
This is
something we can always do and should!
They desperately need it!
Pray for them specifically.
Pray for opportunities of open doors with them.
Pray for other opportunities – Matthew 9:38, Colossians 4:3
b.
Pray for
wisdom in handling this circumstance – James 1:5; pray for boldness to
do and say what needs to be said – cf. Ephesians 6:17-19, etc.
a.
You can
only do so much. But God can give the increase.
Trust Him. 1 Peter
5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Him.
Could this include cares for the lost?
b.
Like Paul
and Apollos – plant and water, but let God give the increase!
1 Corinthians 3:6
c.
This is
not saying you don’t do anything!
You still have work to do.