New Testament Christians Are: People who are “of Christ.” – People for whom Jesus died, I Cor. 1: – Who were “baptized in the name of Christ,” I Corinthians 1:13; cf. Acts 2:38 “Called unto the fellowship of..” I Cor. 1:9. – Called by the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 2:14. – Being thus “called,” they are members of the “church,” the ekklesia, the called out, Acts 2:47; 2 Thessalonians 1:1.

They are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” Eph. 2:10. Must abound “in the work of the Lord,” I Corinthians 15:58. They are “workers together” with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 6:1; cf. I Corinthians 3:6,9. – This work includes evangelism, faithfulness in worship, “Christian living,” growth in Bible knowledge, etc., etc. True Christians Therefore Must be Involved in a Great Work!

Observe: Intellectually, it is not difficult for “Christians” to understand that they are God’s “workmanship,” and that they must therefore be working for the Lord. Practically, there is often a huge gap between the truths we believe, and our performance! The one word which explains this seemingly inexplicable situation is “Attitude!” Title: “Attitudes that Make for Spiritual Success.”

“Attitude” Defined: World Book Dict. “A way of thinking, acting, or feeling; feeling, manner, or behavior of a person toward a situation or cause.” Illus. Sermon title: “How do you Feel About what you Know?” Example: Jonah knew God wanted him to preach to the Ninevites, Jonah 1:1-3, but he “rose up to flee” in the opposite direction!

Attitudes are Manifested in Many Ways, including: The energy we exert in performing a task. Cf. Colossians 3:23. The Way We behave. I Timothy 3:14,15. Our Facial Expressions. Proverbs 15:13; 25:23. Our tone of voice. Colossians 4:6. The interest we do, or do not have, in a person. Matthew 7:12.

“It is so hard when I have to; it is so easy when I want to,” Annie Guttlier. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,” Winston Churchill. “The only disability in life is a bad attitude,” Scott Hamilton. “A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition,” William Arthur Ward. “If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse.” People Generally Recognize Relation- ship between Attitude and Success!

Relationship Between Attitude and Success (Continued) “If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm you will be fired with enthusiasm,” Vince Lombardi. “In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; as long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, and courage, you are young. When the wires are all down and your heart is covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then, and only then are you grown old,” Douglas McArthur (written on his 75 th birthday).

Bible Examples of People Who were Successful because of good Attitudes: Ezra: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments,” Ezra 7:10. Nehemiah: “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work,” Nehemiah 4:6.

Bible Examples (continued) The Apostles: “And they departed from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ,” Acts 5:41,42. Paul: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel,” I Corinthians 9:16.

Attitudes which Make for Success – Fervency of Spirit, Romans 12:11 This verse contains a negative (“not slothful in business”) and a positive (“fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”). Another word for “fervent” is “diligent.” cf. 2 Peter 1:5,10. “Fervent in..” from a word meaning “to boil with heat,” to be “on fire.” Illus. John 2:17 in contrast to Amos 6:1 and Revelation 3:15,16. Do we have enough “fervency of spirit” so that we want to be busy for the Lord? Phil. 2:13

Attitudes Which Make for Success – Genuine Love! Love for God, Matthew 22:36,37; John 14:15,23; I John 5:3; I John 2:4. Love for Brethren, John 13:34,35; I John 4:20-21; Hebrews 10:24,25. Versus Gal. 5:15! Love for Lost souls, Matthew 22: – This is why God sent Jesus, John 3:16. – This is why Jesus died for us, John 10:11. – This is what spurred Paul onward in preaching the word, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Romans 1:14,15. Question: In this area, do some of us need “an attitude adjustment?”

Attitudes Which Make for Success – A Strong Faith! The Necessity of Faith, Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24. The Definition of Faith, Hebrews 11:1. The Power of Faith, Matthew 17: Ten of the 12 Spies suffered a decided lack of faith, Numbers 13:31,33, and they were denied entrance into the promise land, Numbers 14:32-33.

How Strong is Our Faith? Do We really believe in the Power of the Gospel to save the lost? Romans 1:16. Do We really believe in the Power of God to keep His promises? Matthew 19:26. Do We really believe God will care for us if We Put Him First? Matthew 6:33.

Attitudes Which Make for Success – Continued Reliance on Prayer! God Wants His People to Pray! Luke 18:1; I Thessalonians 5:17. There is Power in Prayer! James s5:16; I Peter 3:12. Are We Praying: – For lost souls? – For the success of the work of the church? – For the leaders of our nation? – For our families, their spirituality, etc., etc. ?

Conclusion: As Stated, there is a definite relationship between attitude and spiritual success! There is also a relationship between attitude and obedience to the gospel! Acts 2:37; Acts 16:29-30 If you love God you will obey Him. John 14:15. If you love God you will want to be with Him eternally! If you love God, and hate sin, you will want to obtain His forgiveness!