Don’t Settle for Less

Don’t Settle for Less

Introduction; So many Christians today settle for the norm.  We are comfortable with religion and casual worship.  I want to progress myself.  The word of God says; Philippians 3:13-14  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  I believe this takes action on our part to do as Paul did.  Remember, 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  Notice this involved action on Paul’s part.  Are willing to progress beyond the position we are in now?  Please take time to ponder on the following scriptures.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Acts 1:5-8 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

            Works doesn’t save you or give salvation as we see in, Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  And  Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  But we also know God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm.  Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  In other words you will make God sick when you are a half hearted as a Christian.  Remember what the scriptures say.   Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Works can not save you but faith is dead without works.  James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  Therefore, I would like to share some principles that might help you to progress in your Christian walk instead of you regressing.

I) We should pray

*2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

*Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

*Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

James 1:5-6   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

II) We should study God’s Holy Word and apply it

*2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

*Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

*James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

*1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

*2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

III) We should GO to work for God

*Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

*Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

*Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Conclusion; There are three types of people in the church. 1) People that makes  things happen.  2) People who watch things happen. And   3) People who says what happened.  It’s time the church got CPR.  Confessed Up, Prayed Up, and Ready to go Up.   1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Lets move closer to God by progressing in the faith instead of settling for where we are now.  James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.