Trying to Run While Entangled
The sermon highlights the problem of being entangled in our sinful nature and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God.
The preacher delves into the concept of Salvation (soteria) in the Bible, emphasizing its meaning of rescue, deliverance, and restoration from danger and destruction. The sermon explores soteria as a physical deliverance, a religious term for safety of the soul, and a Messianic deliverance at the end of the age. The preacher highlights the importance of not neglecting this 'so great a salvation' offered through Jesus Christ, as it brings forgiveness, deliverance from sin, and eternal life. The message stresses that neglecting this salvation is not just foolish but also a grave offense, as salvation in Christ is the only way to be saved from eternal separation from God.
Text
. . If we compare what we ought to be and could be with what we are, and we don't see that we are in a rut and we are not concerned, then one of three things may be wrong. First, we may not be converted at all. . . . Second, people may not be concerned about the rut because of sin they have committed. Perhaps they have been regenerated but have sinned against light too often, so the light has become darkness. That often happens. I don't say these people are lost, but I do say that they are in a terrible state. Only the power and grace of God working within them can help. I think there are lots of people like that.
They have been regenerated, but they have become busy with their real estate office or their store.
Many have said, "Well, I'd like to come to your church, Reverend, but I have to keep my store open seven days a week." They cannot serve God because they do not have time to serve Him. They will have time to die, but they do not have time to serve God.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Being Entangled
- Comparing Ourselves to Our Potential
- The Consequences of Sin
- The State of Those Who Have Sinned Against Light
Key Quotes
“They will have time to die, but they do not have time to serve God.” — A.W. Tozer
“Perhaps they have been regenerated but have sinned against light too often, so the light has become darkness.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
- Sin can lead to a state of darkness and separation from God.
- The power and grace of God are necessary to help us overcome our sinful nature.