Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
II. PARTICIPATION
A. PARTICIPATION INCREASES INTEREST...
1. This is true in many things
a. Sports - the difference between participants and spectators
b. Hobbies - fishing, birding, woodworking, sewing, etc.
2. The more you participate, the more you want to participate
a. Sitting on the bench is no fun
b. Having an opportunity to participate just makes you want to do more
B. PARTICIPATION IN GOD’S WORK INCREASES INTEREST...
1. There is a blessedness in the very doing of God’s will - Jn 17:13; Ja 1:25
2. Happiness comes to those who walk in the ways of the Lord - Psa 119:1-2
3. Certainly there is a happier conscience, and a satisfaction of knowing that you are a doer of
the Word, and not a hearer only! - cf. Mt 7:24-27; Ja 1:22-24
[Any labor that we do for the Lord will not be in vain (1 Co 15:58). And that leads to the third thing
Paul prays for (bearing fruit, Co 1:10) that will lead to a heightened interest in the Lord’s work...]
III. SUCCESS
A. SUCCESS INCREASES INTEREST...
1. If we engage in activities without success, discouragement can be the result
2. Failure to succeed has led many to lose interest in various ventures
B. SUCCESS IN GOD’S WORK INCREASES INTEREST...
1. Bible study - learning the meaning of a passage makes you want to learn more
2. Personal work - seeing someone obey the gospel makes you want to convert more
3. Personal edification - to see those you have taught growing in the Lord produces great joy
- cf. 3 Jn 3-4
4. Many lose interest in the Lord’s work because they have never tasted the joys of success!
CONCLUSION
1. If you are not interested in the Lord’s work, or have lost interest, it is likely due to a lack of these
three things: a) knowledge b) participation c) success
2. For those willing to maintain interest in the Lord’s work, Paul shares two more thoughts with us...
a. We will not be alone in our efforts; God will work with us! - Co 1:11; cf. Ph 2:12-13
b. We should be thankful that God has qualified us to receive the rewards to come! - Co 1:12
Are you showing your gratitude by maintaining a high level of interest in the work of the Lord...?
Topical Sermons 383