Effort Part II

Part I Recap... Does effort matter as a Christian? Common misconceptions What the Bible teaches about effort How we can apply our effort towards God

Part II-Outline -Hindrances to effort and how we can overcome them -The Judgment

Hindrances to Effort “...For we are not unaware of his schemes” 2 Cor. 2:11

Common ways the enemy can hinder our effort Take away our motivation Cause us to shift our focus from God Convince us to be satisfied with “just getting by” or “just doing enough” Create problems within the Body of Christ

Common ways the enemy can hinder our effort Deceive us into misusing our effort -selfish ambition (Philip. 2:3-4) * Almost anything that hinders us from serving God with all our heart is probably not from God -ex. teachings that undermine effort

The enemy’s primary goal is to render us useless for God’s kingdom

Overcoming our Hindrances “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Cor. 1:8

We can overcome our hindrances by... Maintaining the right attitude Being avid consumers of God’s Word Encouraging each other Holding each other accountable Avoiding unnecessary hindrances Changing immediately if we realize there is a problem

If you have become distant from the Lord, seek Him with all your heart until you find Him!

The Judgment Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Eccl. 12:13-14 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” 2 Cor. 5:10

Although effort is not how we get saved, nor is it why we make it to heaven, we will all be judged on our effort

Being Ready When Christ Returns Matt. 25:14-30, The Parable of the Talents Luke 12:35-36 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him”

Examples of God’s Faithful Servants Job – “…There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8) King David – “…I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22) The Apostle Paul – “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed” (1 Thess. 2:10) Anna the prophetess – “…She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37) Persis – “…another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord” (Rom. 16:12)

What will God say about you?