SEVEN SECRETS OF SPIRITUAL SUCCESS

Individual Responsibility

Introduction:

We live in a day of irresponsibility. Believers get caught up in wrong thinking such as: “A man’s character is revealed by the countenance of his wife.” Is that statement true or false?

I. The Concept Explained

A. Not as difficult (or demanding) as it appears

B. As individuals we are responsible for our own attitudes. actions, and words

II. The Concept Examined

A. Regarding the fall of man (Gen. 3:1–13 )

(

Génesis 3: 1-13

gen 3.1

1. Appears that Adam is “dragged into” Eve’s sin

2. Appears he is held responsible for the act of another

3. Actually strengthens this teaching—he was held responsible for yielding to Eve and for eating of the fruit itself

B. Regarding the “countenance theory”

1. Michal (2 Sam. 6:14–16 )

a. David was joyous in the Lord (and of good character at this point)

b. Michal was of sour countenance (and wrong)

2. Abigail (1 Sam. 25:2–3 )

a. Nabal was about as bad as bad could be

b. Abigail’s countenance was unaffected by him

III. The Concept Exampled

A. Matt. 5:43–48

1. Your treatment of others is unrelated to their treatment of you

2. Another way of expressing the “golden rule” (Luke 6:31 )

B. 1 Sam. 13:8–14

1. Saul was disobedient

2. Tried to blame disobedience on people

3. His claim was disallowed: he made a choice; they didn’t force an issue

C. John 14:15–17; 15:9–11

1. Obedience the key to several things

2. These things are freely offered to all

3. Everyone can obviously do what is necessary to get these things

IV. The Concept Experienced

A. You are responsible to do right no matter what anyone else does

1. Another person’s wrong is never an excuse for your wrong

2. This is one tough concept to practice in life

B. No one can make you do anything (either wrong or right)

1. You can always choose not to do so even if it involves death

2. All our conscious actions involve choices and decisions

C. You can do anything you should do

1. There is no commandment you can’t do

2. There is no reason out of your past that relieves you of the obligation to do right

Conclusion:

All of this is so easy to teach and so difficult to practice. Better think through what you are presently doing. Better take time to think next time.