THINGS FROM WHICH WE CAN NOT ESCAPE
INTRODUCTION:
1. Some inevitable things from which we cannot escape.
2. We might be ignorant of them, disbelieve and reject them, but we can't
do away with them. We might ignore, neglect, or even despise, but this
in no way frees us from them.
3. Gravity; A new day, whether ready or not, the sun will rise tomorrow;
etc.
4. Let us notice some things that are inevitable:
I. Personal Responsibility.
1. To God - He has always held men responsible.
In this age man must come to God thru Jesus Christ.
Jesus has laws in order for one to become a Christian:
a. Salvation requires that we (1) Believe Jn. 8:24 (2) Repent
Acts 17:30 (3) Confess Rom. 10:9 (4) Be Baptized Mk.
16:16; Gal. 3:26,27
b. We must make up OWN minds. No one can do it for us. One reason
why infant baptism is wrong. We might decide to ignore or
reject Heaven's invitation; but, that does not free us from
it.
2. Each Christian has a personal responsibility to remain faithful.
a. (Mt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10) - the one who endures to the end shall
be saved.
b. We must not be just hearers, but doers. (Ja. 1:25)
c. Those who are not faithful, will be lost.
This is an inevitable fact that all must face.
3. All Christians are personally responsible to help save souls -
Both of fellow Christians, & alien sinners.
a. (I Pet. 3:15) - "Be ready" Ja. 5:19-20
b. Paul felt this responsibility -- (Rom. 1:14)
"debtor to Greeks and Barbarians, Wise and Unwise"
4. Parents have a personal responsibility in training their children
a. Parents owe their children spiritual training. Many give
everything, BUT God - food, clothing, a fine home, money,
good education, etc., but no real knowledge of God and His
Word. Does your child see you reading from God's Word?
b. Parents owe their children a worthy example. Bible Study,
regular worship with saints, in conduct, in speech,
Deut. 6:4-7 (Eph. 6:4) - "bring up children in nurture and
admonition of the Lord"
5. We all have personal responsibilities which we cannot escape.
II. The all seeing eye of God. (Heb. 7:13) - "all things are naked and
open to God's eyes"
A. This great truth should keep us from sinning, and cause us to
always be on guard of our words and our deeds.
B. We may wish to flee from the all-seeing eye of God - But there is
no place to go. Illus. Jonah Ps. 139:7-12
C. God sees the wicked & lazy. Sees evil things done in darkness
He's not only one watching:
III. We also can't escape Having an Influence on those around us.
A. It may be good or bad, but some kind of influence is
inevitable.
1. Jesus taught that his disciples influence the world.
Mt. 5:13-16
2. One's influence may be such as to corrupt his companions;
Works both ways I Cor. 15:33, I Cor. 5:6 - leaven.
IV. Cannot escape the consequences of sin in general.
A. Gal. 6:7-8 - We cannot sow one thing and reap another - true with
plants, true in spiritual, Rom. 6:23 - wages of sin = death
1. Men may choose to drink alcohol, but they cannot escape the
consequences: Harm body, weakens will, destroys influence,
V. Also, death is an inevitable fact that we all must face.
A. Unless Jesus comes first, we all have an appointment with death.
B. Good to consider this fact, Hebrews 9:27, helps us to prepare for
it. Most strive harder when older because we realize the brevity
of life, and the nearness of the end. However, life is uncertain
for all. Ja. 4:13-15; even the young die.
C. Death will end all opportunities for the unfaithful and disobedient
to repent and be saved. It will end God's patience and
longsuffering with that one.
D. In contrast, death will end the saint's conflict with the flesh and
end his afflictions and trials.
VI. There is something else we all must fact - the judgement -
(Heb. 9:27) - "It is appointed..."
A. II Cor. 5:10 "ALL" - Every knee will bow Rom. 14:10-11
B. It will be personal - wife cannot for husband, etc. Rom. 14:12
C. We will be judged by what is written, (Rom. 2:16) - Paul said,
"Judged according to his gospel" Importance of knowing what is
in it. Why we should avail ourselves of each period of study.
D. There will be no excuses accepted at the judgement.
1. One cannot make the excuse, "I just couldn't find time" or
"If it wasn't for that hypocrite in the church"
2. It will be too late for the countless millions who are
wearing human names, following human practices and belonging
to churches not found in God's Word Mt. 7:21-23
VII. And last, we cannot escape the eternal verdict of God
A. Mt. 25:31-46 -- never escape
B. By determining the course of your life, you determine that
final verdict of God
C. God's justice will be manifested in his verdict to exclude
from heaven those who are not prepared. Thus, we need to
prepare now while we have opportunity. We don't know when
the Lord will come or when death may overtake us. Thus, we
need to prepare now!
Conclusion:
1. Why would you even want to escape?
2. In fact, Paul looked forward to that meeting with the Lord.
3. But, Paul was prepared for it? Am I?? Are You???
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