Step Up: Spiritual Responsibility

The truth is, every one of us has at least one area of our life that isn’t where we want it to be.

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you, unless, of course, you fail the test?

So here’s your assessment question for today: Are you at the same place spiritually today that you were one year ago?

God never asks us to evaluate ourselves so we can feel guilty. He asks us to evaluate ourselves so we can grow.

John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Spiritual responsibility is not God placing a burden on your shoulders. It’s God inviting you into the life you were created for.

Spiritual growth is my responsibility.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

You cannot delegate your walk with God.

Responsibility is not punishment; it’s permission to grow.

The life God wants for you is usually found on the other side of responsibility.

Spiritual Responsibility means moving from consumer to contributor.

Hebrews 5:12 “ In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

Eph 4:11-13 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Spiritual Responsibility Requires Response.

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Neglect always drains. Connection always strengthens.

Application: 

Identify One Area of Spiritual Passivity.

“The life God wants for you is found on the other side of spiritual responsibility.”