"LORD, IS IT I?"
Introduction:
1. Matt. 26:20-25.
2. A most unique and serious question in the lives of the
apostles.
3. Here the Lord predicted his betrayal.
4. It was difficult to believe that this could happen. Would one
of their own number really stoop to do this?
5. This led to the question, "Is it I?"
6. Would we have betrayed the Lord had we been there? NO, NO!!
7. And yet, how often He is betrayed!! Often without even
realizing it.
8. This question can be applied in many ways:
I. THE TALENTS -- Matt. 25:14-30
1. Five, Two, and One talent men. The master returned and
called them to give an accounting.
2. Two were busy, one was not (about the masters's work).
3. Suppose he had called them in together and stated that one
of you shall be cast out---"Is it I?"
4. When the final judgment is called forth, we shall all stand
there before the Judge as the division is made between the
sheep and the goats; come are invited in; others cast out.
5. "LORD, IS IT I?"
6. There are those who are not using their opportunities. Nor
their abilities. "LORD, IS IT I?"
II. THE TEN VIRGINS -- Matt. 25:1-13
1. Five were wise, made preparations. Five were foolish,
wasted the opportunity to prepare.
2. Suppose the Lord had made the declaration, "Five shall go
in and five shall not," -- "LORD, IS IT I?"
3. Don't you suppose the five foolish would have known??
4. We now live in the time of preparation. Are we working to
prepare for eternity???
5. The Lord is saying now, "Some of you are going to be ready,
some of you are not." "LORD, IS IT I?"
III. THE RICH YOUNG RULER -- Matt. 19:16-22
1. Here was a young man who thought more of material
possessions than of following the Lord.
2. There are many in the world who are following his choice,
"LORD, IS IT I?"
3. There are those in the family of God who think more of
their material possession than of the support of the work
of the church. "LORD, IS IT I?"
IV. "WILL A MAN ROB GOD?" -- Mal. 3:8
1. Those Jews were holding back the best for their own selfish
indulgences. "What a weariness it is?"
2. They were giving Jehovah their castoffs, that which would
be of little profit to them.
3. If the Lord would say today, "Some of you are robbing me."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
4. If the Lord would say, "Some of you are not giving as you
should." "LORD, IS IT I?"
5. What a serious mistake, to rob God; to keep back from Him
what is rightfully His. To lavish upon ourselves what
should be offered to Him.
V. NOTICE SOME OF THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE FLESH IN THE ASKING OF
THIS SERIOUS QUESTION: Suppose the Lord would make the
following statements:
1. "There are some of God's family who do not attend the
services of the congregation as they to attend."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25.
2. "There are some who fail to study their Bible." "Some who
do not attend Bible classes and study."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
2 Tim. 2:15
3. "There are some who fail to pray as God commands."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:8
4. "There are some who fail to be the light of the world."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
Matt. 5:14-16
5. "There are some who fail to proclaim the gospel."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
Mark 16:15,16
6. "There are some who fail to be an example to their
children, and those about them."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
1 Tim. 4:12
7. "There are untold multitudes who have failed to obey the
Gospel plan of salvation."
"LORD, IS IT I?"
Christ died for you, suffered that you might live.
Romans 5:8-11
He has given you time and opportunity. 2 Cor 6:2--NOW.
When we all stand before the Judgment Bar of Heaven; some
shall be saved; some shall be lost.
"LORD, IS IT I?"
Conclusion:
1. What a sobering question: "Lord, is it I?"
2. We still live on this side of eternity, with time and
opportunity to "make our calling and election" sure.
3. May we not be found guilty of betraying our Lord.
4. May we with confidence and determination arise to look into
our lives and make them pleasing in His sight.
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