Why People Don’t Obey the Gospel - Lesson 3

“I Can’t Do Good (or Change) Enough”

-Introduction

-Quick review of previous lessons:  1 - religious confusion; 2 - “Don’t know enough.”

            -We then took a detour for a couple of weeks in order to focus on the fact that we

              sometimes “put the cart before the horse” in our evangelistic efforts.  We must

              emphasize the basics of the Gospel.  A specific approach can help us to do so.

-This morning, I want to return to our primary theme within this series of lessons - “Why

  some people do not obey the Gospel.”

-Perhaps you’ve talked with somebody who has made a comment similar to that which

  we’ll focus on this morning:  “I can’t do good (or change) enough.”

-Incorrect Concept Toward Christian Living?

-First of all, a person may have an incorrect concept of what it takes to live as a Christian.

-Some seem to have a mythological idea of what living as a Christian is like.  To them, it

  seems like a fantasy - something unattainable and unrealistic.

-Granted, the Christian lifestyle is to be different from that of the world.

            -2 Cor 6:17-18

            -1 Cor 5:9-11 - We live in the world, but we don’t have to be like the world.

            -Since we don’t live like the world, some view Christianity as being strange or foolish

              and are critical of us.

                        -1 Pet 4:1-5

-Unfortunately, some equate Christian living with living perfectly.

      -Sadly and tragically, some in the religious world and even within the Lord’s church

  have portrayed such an idea with a “holier than thou” attitude - looking down on

  others.  Such is a pharisaic, self-righteous approach that is simply wrong.

-We need to make it clear that Christian living is not perfect living.

            -That’s why we continue to need the cleansing blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7-9).

            -1 John 2:1-2 - We should put forth a sincere effort not to sin.  But when we do sin,

               we need to understand that we have (present tense) an advocate with the Father.

-There is a big difference between a “sinner” (a person who lives a sinful lifestyle) and a

  person who, at times, is guilty of sins (makes mistakes, falls short).

      -Sin = missing the mark - We are all “mark misers.”

-However, we can live a Christian life thanks to the grace of God (Eph 2:8).

-And, it is important to note that Christian living is a process, not an overnight event.

      -1 Pet 2:2

-side note:  Usually, when we see the word “perfect” in the scriptures used in relation to

        man, it carries the idea of “complete.”  (i.e. 2 Tim 3:17, 2 Cor 13:11)

-Some Would Not Have to Undergo As Much Change As They Think

-Secondly, due to the fact that some have an incorrect concept of Christian living, they

  believe that they would have to undergo more changes than necessary.

            -not minimizing or negating the need for repentance - Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30, etc.

            -simply stating that there are those who live a good life overall outside of Christ - There

              might not need to be many changes in order to live in Christ

-These people don’t fall into the categories of lifestyles depicted in passages such as

  Romans 1:22-32.

            -Yet, if we say - “That person is such a good person.  Surely, he/she can’t be lost.” -

        then are we not supporting the idea of earning one’s own salvation?

            -Everybody falls short of perfection due to sin (Rom 3:23).  Therefore, all need the

              cleansing blood of Jesus.  Outside of Christ, one is still lost in sin.

            -Yet, such a person - in his/her daily lives and activities - might not have many changes

        to make to live as a Christian.

                        -However, that person might not understand that fact and remain intimidated by the

                          thought of “Christian living.”

-Don’t Underestimate the Gospel’s Power to Change

-With these things having been said, we all know that there are individuals who would need

  to make some rather significant changes in order to live within a Christian lifestyle.

            -But, if there is anything that can lead them to that change, it is the Gospel of Christ.

-1 Cor 6:9-11, Col 3:5-7

-Example of Saul of Tarsus:

            -1 Tim 1:15; Acts 22:4; 26:9; Gal 1:13

            -Look at the change that took place in his life!  Amazing!

-Example of Dean

-Consider this:  Do we avoid talking to some individuals about the Gospel because we

  don’t think they could change enough?  Don’t underestimate the Gospel.

-Summary and Invitation

-“I can’t be good enough” or “I can’t change enough” 

-If you mean that you can’t live   perfectly, you’re absolutely right!

-If you mean that you can’t make the necessary changes, the question becomes, “Do

  you want to?”  If you want to, you’ve already taken an important step.  Now, you

  need to follow through with it.  With the influence of the Gospel, you can do it!

-Remember, as Christians, Jesus is on our side and offers help.

            -Heb 2:17-18

            -We are never alone.

-What about you this morning?  Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ?  If not, believe in

  Jesus (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess that faith (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10), Repent of your sins

  (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38).

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel, have you remained faithful?  If you’ve strayed back into sin,

  confess your sins, repent of them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-

  24).