Introduction
This sermon is based on a list of Evangelist Billy Sunday’s (1862 – 1935) “To Do’s” for new Christians.
God has saved us by His grace, but how we grow in that grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, depends upon our commitment to Him. It is impossible for us to become useful to God unless we do those things which are absolutely essential for spiritual growth.
Study
We need to set aside time for personal study of the Holy Bible each day. We have to “Study to show thyself [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), but how can we do that unless we desire to be fed by the Spirit of God? “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). God’s written word is food for our souls, and if imbedded in our hearts, we will strengthen ourselves against the numerous temptations Satan lays in our path. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
Prayer
Praying ought to be nothing more than talking with God. He does not expect politically correct words or religious language, all He wants is our hearts. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). We can talk to Him about our worries, fear, joys, sorrows, friends, enemies, and yes, even our sins. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Witness
Because we know that Christ is the only Saviour this world will ever receive, we must tell others about Him. This is not a suggestion, but instead God expects us to witness to others. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). It is our God-given responsibility to warn the lost about what will happen if they reject Jesus Christ as Saviour. “When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:18).
Avoid
We must shun bad company, that is, those with evil hearts and bad thoughts, who mock the Lord and His people. Psalm 1 tells us, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” This is one of the hardest parts of Christian living to deal with, but it is vital if we are to succeed. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness - what part hath he that believeth with an infidel - wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). We must endeavour to win the lost for Christ, but we cannot choose them as our companions if they reject Him, for “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Fellowship
A true follower of Christ will faithfully worship in the presence of other children of God. We live in an age of spiritual weakness largely because many think they do not have to attend church. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” (Hebrews 10:25).
Fellowshipping does not only mean attending church services, for it must include supporting the assembly with our time and resources. Far too often many think that it is someone else’s job to maintain the church. They take for granted that the doors will be open, that others will be there to greet visitors, or that there is enough funds to pay the bills. We need to get involved and keep involved. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2) … “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The welfare of the church, both spiritual and physically, is our responsibility not just the pastor’s.
Determination
Every true follower of Christ will encounter many seasons of discouragement, disappointment and discomfort along the way, but this is all part of spiritual warfare. “Yea and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). God has equip us for every eventually in this area. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), and He will see us through each obstacle we may face, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Romans 8:28 tells us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”, therefore we can be spiritually enriched by our experiences.
Conclusion
We really cannot blame God or others if our Christian lives are anything less than victorious. Spiritual weakness is always a result of some area of our lives which are not in accord with God’s revealed will. God has already provided for our success in the Christian life. Let us take Him at His word.
© 11/1/2010