Are You On Target?

Dead Dead

Dead How Is Your Aim? These have quit altogether. 2 Timothy 4:10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 1 Timothy 1:19-20 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Dead How Is Your Aim? These have quit altogether. What is our responsibility toward them? Restore them. Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Dead How Is Your Aim? These have quit altogether. What is our responsibility toward them? Restore them. Do good to them. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. NKJV

Dead How Is Your Aim? Those that are dead fall into two categories. Those who can be reclaimed. 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. NKJV

Dead How Is Your Aim? Those that are dead fall into two categories. Those who can be reclaimed. Those who have removed themselves so far they do not have the power to repent. Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. NKJV

Dead Dead Fringe

How Is Your Aim? Those on the Fringes Often, they still maintain friendship with the world. James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. NKJV

How Is Your Aim? Those on the Fringes Often, they still maintain friendship with the world. Radical change is in order to be pleasing to God.

Colossians 3:1-11 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. (con’t.)

Colossians 3:1-11 (con’t.)8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. NKJV

How Is Your Aim? Those on the Fringes Often, they still maintain friendship with the world. Radical change is in order to be pleasing to God. These need a change of mind.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

How Is Your Aim? Those on the Fringes Often, they still maintain friendship with the world. Radical change is in order to be pleasing to God. These need a change of mind. These have a fluctuating allegiance. Matthew 12:30 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Dead Dead Fairly Regular Fringe

How Is Your Aim? Those Fairly Regular They are hindered by a long line in the grocery store, a beautiful spring or fall day, or interesting TV programs. Their sights are not set on hitting the center of the target. They are satisfied with the mediocre shot. Average is okay. Do you know of any scripture that suggests that God is satisfied with average service?

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV Luke 13:24 Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. NKJV

Dead Dead Somewhat Dependable Fairly Regular Fringe

How Is Your Aim? Somewhat Dependable Present most of the time. Take some responsibility. Sometimes offer extra time and effort for the Lord’s work. Only miss for important things. Business appointments College classes Vacation One family member sick so all stay home

How Is Your Aim? Somewhat Dependable Present most of the time. Take some responsibility. Sometimes offer extra time and effort for the Lord’s work. Only miss for important things. Gospel Meetings not important to them. Singings are not important to them. Would perhaps be indignant if it were suggested that something is missing in their life.

Dead Dead Make the Church Grow Somewhat Dependable Fairly Regular Fringe

How Is Your Aim? Make The Church Grow There is a quality of service that characterized those in the center of the target. Their attendance is as sure as the rising sun. They are given tasks and perform them with zeal and love. They are not status quo in their service. They seek opportunities to serve. They are characterized by the words of Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV

We all need some target practice. Revelation 3:15-16 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. NKJV