Commitment

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Introduction

1.      The NFL coach who demanded that his players be committed to the team

2.      1 Kgs 18:21 “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If Yahweh is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”

3.      If the world can provide you with your hearts dearest desires, then choose the world.  If Christ supplies your needs then choose him.  

Discussion

1.      Commitments  

          a.       To goals – having a purpose, exerting oneself toward some important objective  

b.      To people – individuals or groups – from “I’ll pick you up at 11,” to contracts and life-long commitments  

c.       To activities –sports, hobbies, causes  

2.      Results that flow from commitments

a.       To marriage – a commitment to your spouse, children, providing for them, loving them, forgiving them – Eph 5 and 6  

b.      To a job – commitment to your employer, to the company, to fellow workers – Col 3:23  

c.       To one’s country – commitment to pay taxes, vote, serve – Matt 22:21; 1 Pet 2:13-15  

3.      Commitment to Christ

a.       This commitment flows naturally from what he committed to us and who he is

                                                            i.      He died for our sins – 1 Peter 2:24

                                                          ii.      He is the “only begotten Son of God” – John 3:16; Acts 2:36  

b.      This is a commitment that begins at baptism – Col 2:12; 3:1-3  

c.       This is a commitment that affects every other commitment  

d.      This is a commitment that God intends should affect every area of one’s life – 2 Cor 5:17  

e.       This is a commitment that outranks every other commitment  

4.      Results that flow from a commitment to Christ – Acts 2:42

a.       Apostolic teaching – it is an acceptance of the agreeable things and of the disagreeable things  

b.      Fellowship – with every other person who is committed  

c.       Communion – being in the assembly on Sunday to remember Jesus  

d.      Prayers – understanding that we need God in all of our activities and all of our plans  

Conclusion

1.       God expects a commitment from His people – Deut 6:4-5; 14-15

2.      God expects His people to have His word in their hearts – Deut 6:6

3.      We do not baptize babies because you cannot make a commitment for someone else

4.      We baptize adults when they want to make a commitment to Christ – Matt 28:18-20