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NO

EXCUSES

NO EXCUSES• Mark of maturity, 1 Corinthians

16:13• Excuses are self-justification,

James 4:17–Not an explanation, Luke 14:18-20–Offered while neglecting God-given

duties–Self-convincing that neglect is OK

• Excuses help us lose our souls, James 4:17; Romans 12:11

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3

EXCUSES THAT RATIONALIZE SPIRITUAL NEGLECT

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“I AM NOT CAPABLE.”• Moses, Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10,

13–Do you conclude you are not right

for the job God has given you? 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:13

• Elder, deacon, preacher, Bible class teacher

• Serve in worship• Help the fallen

–God’s grace has brought you this far and will sustain you in every godly endeavor, 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

5

“IT’S TOO HARD.” Proverbs 22:13• Becomes excuse for fear and

laziness – Overcoming Satan, 1 Peter 5:8-9– Resisting temptation, 1 Corinthians

10:13– Withstanding opposition, Romans

8:35-39– Teaching the lost, Mark 16:15– Learning the Bible, 2 Timothy 2:15– Reconciling strained relations,

Philippians 4:2-3– See opportunities, not obstacles, 1

Sam. 17:46

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“I AM WEAK AND INEXPERIENCED.” Jeremiah 1:6-7• Our strength comes from God,

2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Philippians 4:13

• Do not rely on your own strength, rely on the Lord’s strength, Hebrews 13:5-6

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“THE LORD EXPECTS TOO MUCH.” Matthew 25:24-27• Do not blame God for

disobedience• God is righteous and just – Not a

tyrant• He will not be mocked – we reap

what we sow, Galatians 6:7• God never expects from us what

we cannot give –He expects all our ability allows, 2 Corinthians 8:12

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“I DON’T SEE WHY IT IS IMPORTANT.” Matthew 25:44-45• We are not the ones who decide

our spiritual obligations• Examples:

–Water baptism to be saved; singing only; work of the local church; God’s MDR law; modest clothing, no social drinking

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“LIFE HAS SO MANY PRESSURES.” (“I don’t have time.”) Luke 14:18-20• Making a living, job

responsibilities, children, wife, husband, volunteer work…–“I don’t have time is the grown-up

version of the dog ate my homework.”

• Priorities need to be adjusted–cf. Play v. Worship, Hebrews 10:25

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“IT IS TOO INCONVENIENT.” Acts 24:24-25• Convenience over conviction• Consider what Jesus and apostles

endured, Isaiah 53:3-5; 1 Corinthians 4:9–Ought to shame us and silence our

excuses of neglect

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“I DO NOT KNOW HOW.” • Ignorance does not excuse sin or

our responsibilities, Acts 3:17; 26:9-10 (1 Tim. 1:13)

• Ignorance is not a defense for spiritual neglect – Learn how and grow, Hebrews 5:12

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