September 26,2004 Summit AM

Wanted! – Leaders

Introduction

A. Text – Heb.5:11-6:3

B. Do you sense the frustration of the Hebrew writer?

            1. Wants to discuss deep things spiritually – can’t

            2. Ready to move on – see Christians mature & grow

            3. God has always wanted His people to grow – be strong spiritually

            4. That to happen – needs leaders = people committed to growth – self & others

C. Discuss – Wanted! Leaders

D. Pray

 

I. God’s Goal – We Decide To Be Leaders

            A. Not saying – all decide I’m going to be in charge – run things

                        1. Mean – all want to lead way – step out & grow & help others too

                        2. Don’t have to be in charge to lead the way to spiritual growth

            B. God expects us to grow

                        1. Heb.5:11,12 – when by reason of time ought be teachers

                        2. 1 Tim.4:12 – set an example for all believers

                        3. Col.3:23,24 – whatever do = bring glory to God

                        4. Mt.6:33 – seek 1st the kingdom & His righteousness

            C. Most important work can do spiritually

                        1. 1 Tim.3:1 – noble task = worthy

                        2. Many important things can do in life – community services etc.

                                    a. Help the poor, the downtrodden, the sick

                                    b. Yet spiritual needs more important (gain world & lose soul)

                        3. Unless someone leads way – people lose = no hope

                                    a. Jn.8:24 – unless believe in Jesus = die in sins

                                                (Just any religion not good enough)

                                    b. Eph.2:1-3 – were by nature objects of wrath

                                    c. Eph.2:11,12 – no hope & without God

            D. God’s work should never be left to chance

                        1. Enemy stalking us

a. 1 Pet.5:8 (like a roaring lion – seeks to devour)

                                    b. Acts 20:28-31 – like savage wolves (no mercy or compassion)

                        2. See what happens when lack leadership (proper leadership)

                                    a. Num.13 – leaders sent spy out land – evil report

                                                1) Hearts full of fear

                                                2) Exaggerated dangers & ignored God’s help

                                    b. Unless Moses intervened & pleaded with God – all lost

                                    c. As was a whole generation had to die – no leaders!

                        3. God’s work must never be left to chance today either

                                    a. Enemy still stalks

                                    b. Wants nothing more than see God’s kingdom destroyed

                                    c. God needs you – step up & begin take lead

 

II. What Holds Us Back?

            A. Fear – allow spirit of fear to dominate us

                        1. Fear failure – rejection – not good enough – too much expected

                        2. Fear persecution – people resist our efforts; not like me

                        3. Truth – all efforts blessed

                                    a. Mt.25 – talents (all effort accepted – fearful rejected)

                                    b. 1 Cor.15:58 – labor in Lord not in vain (blessed)

                                    c. Phil.4:13 – can do all things in Christ – His strength

                                                (Phil.2 – God at work in us = succeed)

            B. Not fully committed

                        1. Here only for the extras – blessings short run

                                    a. His kingdom not 1st place

                                    b. Selfishly here for blessings not to serve

                                    c. Have a lazy spirit (do enough to just get by)

                        2. No real love for souls – focus is self

                                    a. Jn.13:34,35 – called to love as He loves

                                    b. 1 Jn.3:16-19 – how love of God abide in us?

                                    c. If we can sit idly by knowing people lost – do nothing

                                                (see people in disaster & walk away?)

            C. Wrong attitude about self spiritually

                        1. God doesn’t make junk – all important – 1 Cor.12:21,22

                                    a. Weaker parts are indispensable

                                    b. Idea = can’t do without them; essential

                        2. All of us are gifted – needed in the body

                                    a. 1 Pet.4:10

                                    b. Rom.12:3-8

                                    c. Mt.25 – to not use – causes one be rejected

                        3. Trusting self not God

                                    a. Looking at only what we can do – our strength & abilities

                                    b. Not looking for God’s wisdom – James 1:5 (gives to all)

                                    c. Phil.2:12,13 – works in us to think & do His will

                                    d. Col.1:29 – I labor in all His energy

 

III. Question – Will You Answer God’s Call?

            A. Who’s going to win in your life – God or Satan?

                        1. We are the ones that choose

                        2. Rev.12:9-11

                                    a. Satan defeated in heaven – cast out

                                    b. On earth – ones that overcame – their decision

                        3. God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear – 2 Tim.1:7

            B. Remember the consequences when fear stepping out

                        1. Num.14 – whole generation had to wander in wilderness

                        2. Work eventually accomplished – not by them

                        3. God wants all hear the gospel – will it be in our generation?