Intro: Perhaps the greatest temptation, when it comes to spiritual things,
is to remain uninvolved…
-
Aloof.
-
Aloof from the vision of our families, companies, ministry
of Paradise
-
Why - (when we keep our distance…)
1. We are safe from ALL RISKS
2. Free from ALL DANGERS
3. Able to maintain a theoretical perspective
on what happens.
*
One of the oldest & most common responses
in church history
Quote -
former president of Columbia University,
"I divide the world into three
categories-
The few
who make things happen…
The many
that watch things happen…
The majority of those who
have no idea
of what in the world is happening."
*
How many of you have received a vision for your
family, business, ministry during this series?
The Thessalonian
church had been crippled
by those who backed away from their responsibility,
refused to work, and left the load in the
hands of others.
I. Scriptural reminders about
Involvement
A. By
precept:- not a spectator sport, (there are no bleachers)
1. Mt 25:14-30 the parable of the talents (to use
them for the kingdom)
2. 1 Cor. 15:58 We are always to "abound in the work of the Lord…"
3. Gal 6:6-9 we reap what we sow
4. 1 Tim. 6:10-12 we are to fight the good fight
of faith
5. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 we are
to run to win, keep our bodies under control
6. 1 Peter 4:7-11 fervent in our love, & resist
the devil
7. Rev. 3:14-17 The Lord deplores neutrality (hot
or cold)
8. Col. 3:23 whatever we do - done "heartily
as unto the Lord"
Note: The verbs
for a Christian should be vivid & active!
B. By
example Heb. 12:1-3 (consider Jesus - His commitment
to humanity in general; His
involvement with individuals in particular)
INCITMENTS TO
1. Mk
10:45 Jesus' main objective!
"For even the Son
of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for
many."
* ALL of Jesus'
activities took place in the shadow of the cross!
2. Jesus partial service
record… (with His awareness
of the cross)
- When surrounded
by disease & dying - He healed
- When he encountered
distressed & shepherd-less
multitudes - He moved with
compassion taught fed them
- Found the feet
of the disciples dirty- He washed them
- When He faced
the temptation of the Devil - He revisited him.
- When He faced
heresy & hypocrisy of the Pharisees - He rebuked
them
- His prayer life
never suffered, He would stay up late & rose up
early… yet He never
neglected fellowship with His Father in spite
of His extensive involvement with people
* Think through His life, His goals, and
His intense
single-minded commitment!
*
NOW- think
through your life - your goals - your relationships
- your commitment
* It is easy
for us to be
comfortable - & be neutral on matters that call for action
Indecisive regarding moral issues & irresponsible & lazy when it comes to work load.
* The Thessalonians
had believed that Jesus was coming soon so many of
them reasoned that there was NO NEED to work- or make
long-range plans… resulting in people SPONGING off
of those more materially prosperous.
II. Strong Exhortation to All Christians 2
Thes. 3:6-15
A. The
Command - (3:6) to
those living irresponsibly is strong & forthright
(to brethren)
1. To "withdraw"- To retire;
to retreat; to quit a company or place.
2. To those who play truant- skipping
school.
3. Militarily - to be
out of rank
Romans 16:17-18
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which
ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such
serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly;
and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts
of the simple."
1 Cor 5:11 says not to eat with them.
B. The Example - (3:7-10)
see the example Paul & his colleagues gave previously
1. Paul worked night
& day - not to burden them (1Thes. 2:9)
2. He paid his own way
(1 Cor 9:14) example
no work no eat…
* Do you ask your kids,
employees, disciples to do something that you don’t
do?
C. The
Encouragement - (3:11-13) the
other side of the idle body is the busybody
1. People with a lot of extra time & those who
skip out on their responsibilities often
resort to idle chatter.
2. 1 Tim. 5:13 links idleness with being a busybody
Note:
There is a vast difference between putting
your nose into someone's business & putting your
heart into their problems.
3. Turning to the "who" that are HEAVILY
involved with the cause of Christ, he encourages them
NOT to grow weary. (3:12-13)
D. The
Admonition - (3:14-15)
1. Take note of the disobedient ones - don't associate
with him, but admonish him.
Conclusion: Don't take the safe seat- routine,
mediocre, predictable, status quo easy chair life, but
rather the challenge of the peaks of Christian commitment.
Buy into the VISION.