Text: Philippians 2:12
We are living in a time in which we are more cut off from others than we had been previously. This makes it all the more important that we take personal responsibility – for our faith and our standing before God. In this lesson, we’re going to see why this is important and the ways in which we are to take personal responsibility.
Why PERSONAL Responsibility Is Important
- God made each one of us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27)
- Jesus died on the cross for each one of us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
- Each one of us will give an account for what we’ve done (2 Corinthians 5:10)
- Each one will receive his/her own reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
What We Are Responsible to Do
- We must know the will of God (2 Timothy 2:15) – study
- We must communicate with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – prayer
- We must follow the will of God (James 1:22) – obey
- We must keep from sinning against God (1 Corinthians 10:13) – resist temptation
- We must be a light to the world (Matthew 5:16) – example/teaching
Brethren Are Still Important to One Another
- We must appreciate the need for us to take personal responsibility for our faith – at the same time, we should remember that we do still need our brethren
- We are to encourage one another (Hebrews 3:12-13)
- We are to assemble with one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) – as much as possible
- We are to pray for one another (James 5:16)
- We are to work with one another (Ephesians 4:16)
- We are to love one another (1 John 3:11)
Conclusion
- We should not be content with the present situation being the “new normal” – there can be times for temporary/emergency measures and exercising wisdom and carefulness; at the same time, we should not think that the present situation is “better”; we should not prefer it
- However, while we have to endure these challenging times, we need to remain faithful to God