Text: Psalm 119:59-60
There are several things the Scriptures admonish us to do without delay – particularly in regard to obedience. Yet many want to delay and put off those things which they need to do. This lesson addresses some things that often get put off, but that need to be done without delay.
If You Need to Obey the Gospel, Do It Now
- Example of Saul in Damascus – originally intended to find Christians and arrest them (Acts 22:5); after the Lord appeared to him, he recognized Him as Lord (Acts 22:8) and was praying and fasting in the city (Acts 9:9,11); but he still needed to be baptized without delay (Acts 22:16)
- Example of the Philippian jailer – baptized in the same hour of the night (Acts 16:33); inconvenient, but it was that important
If You Need to Repent of Sins, Do It Now
- The brethren in Corinth were warned not to receive God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1) – if they needed to repent of sins, the time to do that was now (2 Corinthians 6:2)
- Sin is not to be taken lightly – it separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2); it hardens our hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13); it leads to death (Romans 6:23)
If You Need to Reconcile with a Brother, Do It Now
- Jesus said that reconciliation with a brother was important enough to delay an offering (Matthew 5:23-24) – we are not to let the sun go down on our wrath (Ephesians 4:26-27)
- We are to strive to maintain peace among our brethren (Ephesians 4:3)
If You Need to Fix Your Priorities, Do It Now
- Jesus told a parable of a rich land owner with an abundant harvest (Luke 12:16-21) – his sin was not in his prosperity, but in his priorities
- We must seek spiritual things first (Matthew 6:33) – do not think that these ought to wait until later (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Conclusion
- Other responsibilities we could mention – these are just a few
- People in the world often want to put off doing many things – particularly those things which relate to serving God
- We cannot delay – the Lord can return at any time (2 Peter 3:10); if we put off making preparations and are not ready when He comes, we will be lost (Matthew 25:1-13)
