Effort

Part I

Does effort matter as a Christian?

Common Misconceptions

• • • We don’t have to do anything; Jesus did it all God is not concerned with people trying hard to live holy lives It is wrong to attempt to achieve your goal by “human effort” (Gal. 3:3) • True, but this doesn’t nullify the importance of effort in the Christian life

What does the Bible teach?

2 Pet. 1:3-11

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2 Pet. 1:3-11

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Pet. 1:3-11

But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Pet. 3:10-14

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

2 Pet. 3:10-14

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

Eph. 4:1-3

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

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Additional verses

Heb. 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Luke 13:22-24 “ Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”

How should we apply our effort towards God?

The Great Commission

• • • • • • Sharing the Gospel Inviting people to church/Bible study Prayer Shining the Light Helping others Supporting godly ministries

Strengthening the Body of Christ

• • • • Serving one another Encouraging and uplifting each other Praying for other believers Teaching and sharing what God has taught you

Living to please God

• • • • Walking in obedience to His commands Demonstrating your love for God by your actions Seeking God’s presence Putting the Lord first

-Next week Effort

Part II

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