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No Excuses Mark of maturity, 1 Corinthians 16:13 Excuses are self-justification, James 4:17 Not an explanation, Luke 14:18-20 Offered while neglecting God-given duties Self-convincing that neglect is OK Excuses help us lose our souls, James 4:17; Romans 12:11
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NO
EXCUSES
NO EXCUSES• Mark of maturity, 1 Corinthians
16:13• Excuses are self-justification,
James 4:17–Not an explanation, Luke 14:18-20–Offered while neglecting God-given
duties–Self-convincing that neglect is OK
• Excuses help us lose our souls, James 4:17; Romans 12:11
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EXCUSES THAT RATIONALIZE SPIRITUAL NEGLECT
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“I AM NOT CAPABLE.”• Moses, Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10,
13–Do you conclude you are not right
for the job God has given you? 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:13
• Elder, deacon, preacher, Bible class teacher
• Serve in worship• Help the fallen
–God’s grace has brought you this far and will sustain you in every godly endeavor, 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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“IT’S TOO HARD.” Proverbs 22:13• Becomes excuse for fear and
laziness – Overcoming Satan, 1 Peter 5:8-9– Resisting temptation, 1 Corinthians
10:13– Withstanding opposition, Romans
8:35-39– Teaching the lost, Mark 16:15– Learning the Bible, 2 Timothy 2:15– Reconciling strained relations,
Philippians 4:2-3– See opportunities, not obstacles, 1
Sam. 17:46
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“I AM WEAK AND INEXPERIENCED.” Jeremiah 1:6-7• Our strength comes from God,
2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Philippians 4:13
• Do not rely on your own strength, rely on the Lord’s strength, Hebrews 13:5-6
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“THE LORD EXPECTS TOO MUCH.” Matthew 25:24-27• Do not blame God for
disobedience• God is righteous and just – Not a
tyrant• He will not be mocked – we reap
what we sow, Galatians 6:7• God never expects from us what
we cannot give –He expects all our ability allows, 2 Corinthians 8:12
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“I DON’T SEE WHY IT IS IMPORTANT.” Matthew 25:44-45• We are not the ones who decide
our spiritual obligations• Examples:
–Water baptism to be saved; singing only; work of the local church; God’s MDR law; modest clothing, no social drinking
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“LIFE HAS SO MANY PRESSURES.” (“I don’t have time.”) Luke 14:18-20• Making a living, job
responsibilities, children, wife, husband, volunteer work…–“I don’t have time is the grown-up
version of the dog ate my homework.”
• Priorities need to be adjusted–cf. Play v. Worship, Hebrews 10:25
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“IT IS TOO INCONVENIENT.” Acts 24:24-25• Convenience over conviction• Consider what Jesus and apostles
endured, Isaiah 53:3-5; 1 Corinthians 4:9–Ought to shame us and silence our
excuses of neglect
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“I DO NOT KNOW HOW.” • Ignorance does not excuse sin or
our responsibilities, Acts 3:17; 26:9-10 (1 Tim. 1:13)
• Ignorance is not a defense for spiritual neglect – Learn how and grow, Hebrews 5:12
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