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, God would have no point in a revelation
      of His desires, nor in the sending of His Son.
   4. Let us look as some of the things for which man is
      responsible.

  I. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS PERSONAL INFLUENCE (Good or Bad):
     1. The F.B.I. says that you cannot enter a room without
        leaving a trace that you have been there.
     2. Though our lives are short we shall leave evidence of our
        having been here.
     3. One who says not so, 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.
     6. Our every deed influences others, we cannot escape it.
     7. 2 Cor. 3:2-- "Living Epistles...."
     8. Our worship (or lack of it) influences others. We can help
        others serve God; or, we can hinder others.
     9. It is not too difficult for others to see our concern or
        lack of concern. True of those in the world as well as
        those in God's Family.'

 II. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORDS HE/SHE SPEAKS:
     1. Matt. 12:36-37. "Every idle word shall judge you....."
     2. Eph. 4:29 -- "Let no corrupt speech proceed out...."
     3. Col. 4:6 -- "Let your speech be seasoned with salt...."
     4. Words are small, easily spoken, yet can yield a great
        influence. Cf. Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg; The
        Declaration of Independence, etc.
     5. Prov. 25:11 -- "A word fitly spoken, Is like apples of gold
        in platters of silver."
     6. Words can cheer or dishearten.
     7. Jas 3:2-12--tongue small thing, yet.......
     8. How careful then we should be to speak words which will
        encourage and comfort, rather than discord and strife.

III. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAY HE/SHE USES HIS WORLDLY GOODS:
     1. 1 Chron. 29:10-14.-- King David, who desired to build the
        temple, recognized that all goods were to be used to the
        glory of God.
     2. Solomon said, Prov. 3:9-10.
     3. We are merely stewards, caretakers, pilgrims.
     4. All that we have must reflect our desire to please God.
     5. Matt. 25:14-30 -- 5, 2, 1 talent(s). Even the one talent
        man was expected to use it wisely.
     6. Yet, so often we foolishly use these possessions selfishly.
     7. Our giving measures, to some extent, how we react to this
        responsibility.

 IV. MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER SOUL:
     1. God's Word clearly teaches that man (and woman) shall go to
        one of two destinies-- Heaven or Hell.
     2. Where we go will depend upon our conduct while here on the
        earth.
     3. It was man who originally rejected the command of God.
     4. It is only through subjection to the commands of God that
        the pathway back to God is realized.
     5. That pathway comes through FAITH and OBEDIENCE.
     6. By trusting, believing and obeying we can have hope.
     7. Each one is responsibly for their own destiny. Rom. 14:12.

  V. WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR RESPONSIBILITY??
     1. Why does God hold us responsible?
     2. No other creature has been endowed like man.
     3. Man is the only one made in God's image. This in itself is
        reason enough.
     4. We have the ability to know God; to know right from wrong.
     5. God's revelation shows the necessity of obedience to Him.
     6. The Athenians did not know HOW  to worship God.
           Nature told them to worship, but not how nor who.
           Acts 17:23--What they worshipped in ignorance, Paul set
               forth unto them.
     7. Acts 14:8-18 -- Those in Lystra sought to worship Paul and
        Barnabas. Paul set them straight--vs. 15-17.
     8. Without Revelation man is ignorant of origin, destiny.
     9. EVOLUTION brings man down to brute level.
    10. REVELATION lifts man to level of Deity.

 VI. MAN IS THUS RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW GOD'S WILL:
     1. This takes individual effort.
     2. 2 Tim. 2:15 -- "Give diligence (Study)......"
     3. No one can learn God's will for you. You, and you alone are
        responsible for your soul.

Conclusion:
   1. God has spoken through His Word.
   2. Salvation depends on how you accept that Word.
   3. May we, each one, accept our responsibilities and be
      motivated to allow God's Will to permeate our hearts and lead
      us to a better and richer life in His service.

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