Results, Not Excuses

INTRODUCTION.

A.        There are Bible examples of people who attempted to make excuses.

1.         Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 1:4-10)

2.         Moses also attempted to make excuses. (Exodus 3:7-11, 13; 4:1, 10)

3.         The parable of the great supper, to which some made excuses not to attend. (Luke 14:15-24)

B.        How is our service to the Lord? Are we making excuses as opposed to simply obeying God’s word?

C.        With this lesson, I would like to show three areas wherein we often make excuses for our disobedience. Let us begin with the area of sin.

I.         MAKING EXCUSES FOR SIN.

            A.        How many times have you heard someone make excuses for not overcoming sin? I.e. boss, co-workers, spouse, friends, etc.

            B.        If we do something wrong, we should admit the deed and stop making excuses.

            C.        James explained that we are tempted when we are drawn aware and enticed. (James 1:12-16)

                        1.         The progression of sin is simple. One is led away to transgress the law of God. We cannot blame the temptation that led away. We must blame ourselves for allowing ourselves to be led away.

                        2.         In all the sins listed in the Bible, there is not one sin that we can say, “They made me do that.” In all sins, we allow ourselves to be led away.

                        3.         We have to make the decision not to sin.

                        4.         If we violate God’s law, let us admit it. Let us confess our sins to God. (1 John 1:9-10) Quite making excuses.

                        5.         As long as we try to shift the blame for sin in our lives, then we will never learn the lesson of true repentance and change.

II.       MAKING EXCUSES FOR NOT HELPING AN ERRING BROTHER.

            A.        If you know a brother or sister in Christ who has allowed him or herself to be overtaken by sin, you have a responsibility to that brother or sister. (Galatians 6:1-5)

            B.        If you are spiritual, then you have a charge to help the erring brother to bear his burden to overcome his sin. This is your load to bear. (Galatians 1:4-5)

            C.        Many times we make excuses for not helping to restore a brother because we fear a confrontation, we fear rejection, etc.

III.      MAKING EXCUSES FOR NOT TEACHING THE LOST.

            A.        Jesus told His disciples to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16)

            B.        Quite often, brethren will make excuses for not teaching the lost.

                        1.         I do not know enough to teach others. Fix the problem with Bible study. (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17) Bible study equips us for the good work of teaching the lost.

                        2.         We do not invite others to Bible classes or worship services because they probably will not accept the invitation.

                        3.         We are not confident enough to set up a Bible study. If this is the case, then ask a stronger brother to help you with the Bible study.

IV.      HOW DO WE PREPARE OURSELVES FOR TO ACHIEVING RESULTS?

            A.        Turn again to Jeremiah 1:6-8. If our excuses come from fear, then we must prepare ourselves so as to dispel that fear.

            B.        Preparation involves Bible study, getting to know the word of the Lord.

            C.        Once you know the truth, then develop the desire to make the practical application of God’s word into you life. (Cf. Galatians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:5-11; Ephesians 4:25-32)

            D.        Having put on the new man and the application of God’s word in your life, you must put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

                        1.         Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

                        2.         Put on the whole armor of God and stand.

                        3.         How do you get results when it comes to overcoming sin? How do you get results when it comes to restoring an erring brother? How do you get results when it comes to teaching the lost? You get results by putting on the whole armor of God.

            E.        We must be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

                        1.         The wiles of the devil will lead you to sin.

                        2.         The wiles of the devil will tell you to let someone else go to the erring brother.

                        3.         The wiles of the devil will tell you not to teach someone lost in sin.

                        4.         The wiles of the devil will tell you to lie.

                        5.         The wiles of the devil will tell you the assemblies of the saints are not important.

CONCLUSION.

A.        If you find your life as a Christian being filled with excuses, then put on the whole armor of God today, praying to the Lord and being watchful. Demand results from yourself, not excuses.

B.        Jeremiah succeeded in obeying the Lord. So too can we succeed in obeying the Lord.

C.         If you are not a Christian, then obey Jesus’s call to salvation as found in Mark 16:15-16 and Acts 2:38.        

Results, Not Excuses -- June 5, 2005 -- File # 1035 - Christian living

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK