Are You Lukewarm?
Introduction:
How would you describe yourself
as a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you dedicated, committed, zealous?
Or would lukewarm, mediocre, half-hearted better describe you? What
does lukewarm look like? Francis Chan in the book Crazy Love
would say those that are lukewarm look like this.
Body:
I.
Attend Church Services Somewhat Regularly
The reason is not because they want to gather with those of like
precious faith and worship Jehovah God. But it is because they believe
it is expected of them. (Matthew 15:7-9)
II.
Give A Little in the Offering
They give some as long as it doesn’t decrease their standard of living
or keep them from buying things they want. (I Chronicles 21:24,
Luke
21:1-4)
III.
Choose What Is Popular Over What Is Right
Lukewarm people are more concerned about what people think than what God
thinks. (Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1,
Matthew 23:5-7)
IV.
Rarely Try to Teach Someone the Gospel
They seldom share with friends, neighbors, family, or co-workers what
they believe and why they believe it. They do not ask others to come to
church with them or hand them pamphlets, tracts, DVD’s. . .
V.
Compare Themselves to Others
They gauge their “goodness” by comparing themselves with those in the
world. They feel satisfied that they are not nearly as bad as some
people. (Luke 18:9-11)
VI.
Allow God to Be Only A Part of Their Lives
They give Jesus control over part of their time, part of their money,
part of their feelings. But they give only part. (Luke 9:57-62)
They believe total devotion is only for missionaries, preachers, and
Bible professors. It is not for the average person. (Matthew 22:37-38)
VII.
Think More about Earth than Heaven
Their thoughts are focused on the here and now, not about eternity in
heaven. (Philippians 3:18-20,
Colossians 3:1-2)
Conclusion:
Does any of this sound familiar or strike home? You should do what
Christ told the church in Laodicea, “Therefore be zealous and repent.”
(Revelation 3:19)
Bobby
Stafford
January 11, 2015
The
church of Christ
