2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel?

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Inadequate Information Paul – 1 Timothy 1:13 “did it ignorantly” Crucifiers of Christ – Acts 3:17 “did it in ignorance” Matthew 13:15 “ears hard of hearing” “eyes closed” “lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” What are we doing to teach them?

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Unbelief Paul – an enemy of Christ because of ignorance & unbelief - 1 Timothy 1:13 Millions do not believe Jesus is the Christ Millions don’t think they will be eternally lost if they fail to obey the gospel Some believe only partially in the gospel Some believe “faith only,” not obedience Gospel God’s Power to Save – only saves those who believe & obey Romans 1:16; Hebrews 5:8,9

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Sin Moses – saw folly of sin for a season - Hebrews 11:24-27 Millions love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil John 3:19-21 Many become Slaves of Evil – 2 Peter 2:14; Hebrews 3:7,8,13 Millions deceived who pay on the installment plan – Ecclesiastes 8:11

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Popularity Love the praises of men more than the praises of God – John 12:42,43 They just Will Not Stand Against the Tide! They have been Immunized Against it! Believed a lie – 2 Thessalonians 2:11,12 Obeyed a Substitute for the Gospel

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Indifference Millions refuse to become personally involved in any depth of feeling and thinking themselves Accept parents religion without any real examination & involvement Luke 14:26 Accept Tradition or Custom as Gospel “An honest man alters his ideas to fit the truth, a prejudiced man alters the truth to fit his ideas.”

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? Procrastination Felix – Acts 24:25 “when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” The time is never right – die in their sins Do not let these Shallow Excuses cause you not to obey the Gospel Need to die to sin – Romans 6:1-4 Brothers of Rich Man would not obey, they were headed for flames of torment – Luke 16:19-31

Why Don’t More People Obey The Gospel? The Call of Christ for you to obey the Gospel is like the loving, pleading call of a mother outside a burning house to her small child inside to come out into her open arms and to love, acceptance and safety. Surely you will hear the sweet voice of Jesus today!