Four Stages of Commitment
I Love My Church - Week #4
Four Stages of Commitment
Matthew 19:16-22
- A 99% commitment to Christ is 1% too short.
- 99% obedience is 100% disobedience
FOUR STAGES OF COMMITMENT TO JESUS THAT EVERYBODY WALKS THROUGH:
1. The Interest Stage
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Matthew 19:16
2. The Involvement Stage
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17
- Christianity is simply a series of next steps
3. The Inspection Stage
Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Matthew 18:19-20
2 REASONS WE DON’T ASK JESUS THE QUESTION "WHAT DO I STILL LACK?":
A. We are afraid of what He is going to say
B. We know what He is going to say
- The best way to disobey God is to completely ignore Him
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
4. The Interruption Stage
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:21-22
- What do I still lack?