The Christians Obligations to Himself

Introduction:
We conclude our series tonight on the different obligations of Christians.  This lesson will focus upon ourselves.  No one can fulfill these obligations for us.   We must make the commitment to fulfill them to the best of our ability.  How tragic to stand at the judgment gate and fall short of heaven because of missed opportunities to obey God's will.  Make sure that you don't wind up in that position by heeding the following responsibilities.
I.  I owe it to myself to be educated in the way of righteousness.
    A.  Mt. 28:18-20 - notice one of the conditions given in the great commission:
        1.  Those who have been baptized are in need of being taught.
        2.  2 Tim. 2:2 - Other Christians have responsibility to help us learn BUT…
        3.  Greatest responsibility to learn is on our part.
    B.  1 Pet. 1:22-2:3 - attitude plays a role.  Must DESIRE the milk of the word.
        1.  How much do you desire spiritual food?  Can't survive spiritually w/o it.
        2.  Quit eating physically?  Death certain.
    C.  2 Tim. 2:15 - diligence involved.  Time involved.  Must learn in order to be pleasing.
        1.  Is your life devoted to spiritual things?
II.  I owe it to myself to withstand worldly pressures.
    A.  Being educated in way of righteousness important.
    B.  We're at war against Satan.  He usually gains disciples in 3 ways:
        1.  Keeping alien sinners from responding to gospel.
        2.  Getting Christians to revert back to the world.
        3.  By rendering Christians useless.
    C.  How can we be made useless?  By refusing to withstand worldly pressures.
        1.  Col. 3:1-2 - Here's the key.  Do this and things will come a long way.
        2. Isa. 55:6-7 - only way to keep from falling to Satan is to learn and do God's will.
III.  I owe it to myself to lay hold of eternal life.
    A.  1 Tim. 6:1-14 - lay hold on eternal life. 
        1.  The church is the preparing ground for those are Christians.
        2.  Amos 5:12 - can't go to heaven if we don't prepare!  ARE YOU PREPARED?
    B.  Phil. 2:12 - work out your own salvation.
        1.  You have to do something to get to heaven. 
        2.  Right now you are preparing for heaven/hell.  Which is it?  Where are you headed?
    C.  Read above passages again….not an automatic possession of every church member.
    D. Requires effort, stamina, determination, and love.
    E.  Are you prepared?  Are you ready?  Laying hold of eternal life is possible.  Do it!

Are you fulfilling these obligations?

If not, you can't be pleasing to the Lord!