MAN -- A CREATURE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Introduction:
   1. The basic fact of God's Word is that man has a responsibility
      to God.
   2. A Creator to whom every person must answer: Rom. 14:12.
   3. Were it not for this, there would be no reason for giving us a
      revelation of His desires, and the sending of His Son.
   4. Let us emphasis some of the things for which man is
      responsible.

  I. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS PERSONAL INFLUENCE (Good or Bad):

     1. The FBI states that a person cannot go into a room without
        leaving a trace that you have been there.
     2. Though our lives are short, we shall leave evidences of our
        having been here.
     3. One who denies this just isn't thinking correctly.
     4. Our lives serve as an influence to others (Good or bad).
     5. Jesus said it like this: Matt. 5:13-16, Salt, light.
     6. Our every deed influences others. We cannot escape it.
     7. 2 Cor 3:2--"Living epistles"
     8. We can help others serve God; or we can hinder them.
     9. Your worship influences others; or lack of worship.
        They can see how much concern and love we truly have.

 II. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORDS HE SPEAKS:

     1. Mt. 12:36,37 -- "Every idle word shall judge ye...."
     2. Eph. 4:29 -- "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of mouth..."
     3. Col. 4:16 -- "Let your speech be seasoned with salt...."
     4. Words are small, easily spoken, yet, can yield great
        influence.
            Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg.
            Declaration of Independence.
     5. "Words properly spoken, are like apples of gold on platter of
        silver."
     6. Words can cheer or dishearten people.
     7. Jas. 3:2-12 -- tongue small thing, yet.......
     8. How careful then we must be to speak words which will give
        courage and comfort; rather than discord and discouragement.

III. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAY HE USES HIS WORLDLY GOODS:

     1. King David, who desired to build temple, recognized that God
        desired all goods to be used to His glory. 1 Chron. 29:10-14.
     2. Soloman said, Prov. 3:9-10.
     3. We are stewards, pilgrims.
     4. It is possible for us to build up fortunes, but be sure that
        we use it for the glory of God.
     5. Mt. 25:14-30-- Parable of the Talents: 5, 2, 1. If we have
        only one talent, we must wisely use it.
     6. Are we using our talents?? talent?? Let us not be selfish.
     7. Our giving is one measurement as to how we react to this
        responsibility.

 IV. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS SOUL:

     1. God's Word clearly teaches man is going to one of two
        destinies. Either Heaven or Hell.
     2. Where we go depends upon our conduct here on the earth.
     3. Man originally rejected the law of God-- Gen. 3:
     4. The pathway back to God is through His Will.
     5. It is by Faith in Christ Jesus that sinful man begins the
        long journey back to God. But, Faith must be connected with
        obedience. Mark 16:15, 16.
     6. By trusting and obeying Him we have hope, the expectation of
        eternal life in the very presence of Jehovah God.

  V. WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR RESPONSIBILITY???

     1. Why does God hold us responsible???
     2. No other creature has been endowed like man. The animal world
        has no conscience; no responsibility toward God.
     3. Man is the only one made in God's Image. This itself is
        reason enough for our responsibility to God.
     4. We have the ability to KNOW God. Know right from wrong.
     5. God's revelation shows necessity of obedience to Him.
     6. The Athenians did not know how to worship:
           Nature told them to worship, but not how or who.
           Acts 14:15-17 -- Paul told them who to worship.
     7. Without Revelation man is ignorant of origin, duty, destiny.
     8. Evolution brings man DOWN to brute level, equal with beasts.
        Revelation lifts man UP to image of God.

 VI. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW GOD'S WILL.

     1. John 8:32 -- "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
        make you free."
     2. Very clearly this tells us that we have the ability, the
        capacity to understand God's truth. The one who says, "I just
        cannot understand the Bible," has deluded himself.

CONCLUSION:
   1. God has spoken through His word.
   2. Salvation depends on how you accept that word. What you do
      about it.
   3. I urge you to accept your responsibility.
   4. As a child of God, to do your very best in your life to reflect
      the character of Christ Jesus. Avail yourself of every
      opportunity to serve God and your fellow man.
   5. If not a child of God, I urge you to accept your responsibility
      to obey Christ, to make a decision that will effect your
      eternal destiny.

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