THE TALE OF THREE MEN 2

INTRODUCTION (2 minutes)

[PAUSE] Every man is becoming one of three men:

• A distracted man

• A disinclined man

• Or a dependable man

[EMPHASIS] You don’t drift into godliness—you drift into distraction.

The difference is not talent—it is attention, attitude, and availability.

[TRANSITION] Let me show you three men—and one of them is you.

I. THE DISTRACTED MAN – DAVID (6 minutes)

Text: 2 Samuel 11:1–2

2 Samuel 11:1–2 CSB

In the spring when kings march out to war, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.

A. Wrong Focus

[EMPHASIS] What you stare at long enough, you will eventually step toward.

Illustration: It is said that when the British and French were fighting in Canada in the 1750s, Admiral Phipps, commander of the British fleet, was told to anchor outside Quebec. He was given orders to wait for the British land forces to arrive, then support them when they attacked the city. Phipps' navy arrived early. As the admiral waited, he became annoyed by the statues of the saints that adorned the towers of a nearby cathedral, so he commanded his men to shoot at them with the ships' cannons. No one knows how many rounds were fired or how many statues were knocked out, but when the land forces arrived and the signal was given to attack, the admiral was of no help. He had used up all his ammunition shooting at the "saints."

[PAUSE] Some men are losing the war not because they’re under attack—but because they’ve wasted their strength.

B. Neglected Priorities

[EMPHASIS] You are most vulnerable when you are out of position.

Illustration: A firefighter is most at risk when he leaves his post.

[APPLICATION] Spiritual disengagement leads to spiritual destruction.

[TRANSITION] Some men are distracted… others are disinclined.

II. THE DISINCLINED MAN – APOLLOS (5–6 minutes)

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:12

1 Corinthians 16:12 NKJV

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

A. Resisted Movement

[EMPHASIS] Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

B. Chose Convenience

[EMPHASIS] Convenience is often the enemy of calling.

Illustration: A man once said, 'I’m here to make sure nothing changes.'

[PAUSE] He wanted comfort—not calling.

[EMPHASIS] When convenience becomes king, calling gets crucified.

Illustration: Watching someone drown but waiting for a convenient time to help.

[APPLICATION] That’s not surrender—that’s selective obedience.

[TRANSITION] But God is looking for something different.

III. THE DEPENDABLE MAN – TYCHICUS (6 minutes)

Text: Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7

Colossians 4:7 NKJV

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

Ephesians 6:21 NKJV

But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;

A. Faithful

[EMPHASIS] Faithfulness is doing what God asked—even when nobody applauds.

Illustration: God builds His kingdom on lightbulbs—steady, consistent servants.

B. Trustworthy

[EMPHASIS] Dependability is built in the small things no one sees.

C. Available

[EMPHASIS] God uses the man who is not just willing—but available.

[APPLICATION] Show up. Follow through. Be consistent.

CONCLUSION (2–3 minutes)

David was distracted.

Apollos was disinclined.

Tychicus was dependable.

[PAUSE] The greatest tragedy is not failure—but succeeding at what does not matter.

[CALL TO ACTION]

• Get your focus back.

• Get your yes back.

• Give God your faithfulness.

[FINAL EMPHASIS] God is not looking for the most gifted man—He’s looking for the man He can count on.