Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

"Do I Have To?"

Intro.

1. Someone asks: “Do I have to?” Answer emphatically, “No, you don't.”

a. We are creatures of choice: Deut. 30:19-20; Josh. 24:15; 1 Kgs. 18:21; Matt. 11:28.

b. God will not impose or force His will on anyone. 1 Tim. 2:3-4

2. But, must be prepared to face the consequences of your choice, Ezek. 18:4; Gal. 6:7. (We want to escape responsibilities without consequences.)

3. “Only two things you have to do: Die and pay taxes.” Only half true: You will die, but you don't have to pay taxes (an extremely poor choice!). There will be consequences to your choice.

4. This complaint (“Do I have to?”) reveals selfishness and little faith; a deadly combination that views discipleship as a burden instead of a blessing, 1 Jno. 5:3.

I. DO I HAVE TO ATTEND ALL THE WORSHIP SERVICES ?

A. No, You Do Not (not going to be forced).

1. cf. Football fan: “Do I have to attend every game?” Matter of interest and involvement.

2. Worship is what we give to God; not what we get.

B. Consequences of this Attitude:

1. Willful sin, Heb. 10:24-26.

2. Spiritual weakening, 1 Cor. 14:26.

3. Worship is minimized, Jno. 4:23-24.

-Do you attend out of a sense of fear, or out of interest and devotion?

-We should say, “I want to (will ) be at attend every worship service”.

II. DO I HAVE TO STUDY MY BIBLE?

A. No, You Don't (not going to be forced).

1. cf. Hunter/Seamstress doesn’t need prodding to read up on best techniques, etc. A matter of interest.

2. We master what we are interested in.

B. Consequences of this Attitude:

1. Words of life are not received, Jno. 6:68.

2. Susceptible to error and falling, 2 Pet. 3:16-18.

3. Not being built up for heaven, Acts 20:32.

4. Not approved before God, 2 Tim. 2:15.

-Do you study to be approved, or just to “get your lesson done?”

III. DO I HAVE TO ASSOCIATE WITH CHRISTIANS? Rom. 12:10 (1 Pet. 1:22; Heb. 13:1)

A. No, You Don't (not going to be forced).

1. cf. One who falls in love with someone doesn't need to be prodded to be with him (can't keep him away). A matter of interest.

2. Your children will marry someone they date. Will it be a Christian?

B. Consequences of this Attitude:

1. You will be influenced by your friends, 1 Cor. 15:33-34.

2. Your job of influencing others for Christ is harder if you do not like being with Christians, 1 Ths. 5:14; Matt. 5:13-16.

3. You show your love for the world, 1 Jno. 2:15 (commonality breeds friendship).

IV. DO I HAVE TO THINK SO MUCH ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS? Col. 3:1

A. No, You Don't (not going to be forced).

1. cf. A golfer saying this about putting. A matter of interest.

2. You will think on something, Phil. 4:8.

B. Consequences of this Attitude:

1. You are what you think, Matt. 12:34-35.

2. Your treasure is earthly, Matt. 6:19-21.

3. Your end will be perdition, Phil. 3:17-20.

V. DO I HAVE TO TEACH OTHERS? Heb. 5:12

A. No, You Don't (not going to be forced).

-What person totally convinced of a new product must be prompted to tell others?

-If you can buy loaf of bread and not be cheated on the change, you can teach someone about Jesus. A matter of interest.

B. Consequences of this Attitude:

1. Not being wise, Prov. 11:30.

2. Reflects you are not very convinced that Jesus is the world's only hope, Acts 4:12.

3. Many missed opportunities to answer for, 2 Cor. 5:10.

Conclusion

The next time you are tempted to ask, Do I have to?,” consider what you are complaining about, and what it will cost you to satisfy that complaint. Matt. 16:26-27

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: January 9, 2015