Problems Christians Face But I’m Not Good Enough Problems Christians Face

“I’m not good enough” Part of a family of objections/hesitation that keeps some from obeying the gospel right now. (“I can’t live the life”, “I’m not ready now”, etc.) Is this a valid reason to put off obeying the gospel?

“I’m not good enough” Answer: No you are not! No one is – Romans 3:23, 9-10, Galatians 3:22 Nor will you EVER be good enough! If by “good enough” you mean living to MERIT or earn your salvation. Titus 3:4-5, Ephesians 2:9

“I’m not good enough” Our salvation is based upon the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:6-9, 1 John 4:9-10 1 John 3:1, Behold what manner of the love the Father has bestowed upon us… we are children of God!

“I’m not good enough” Was Paul good enough? 1 Timothy 1:12-15 Romans 7:24-25 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “…such were some of you…” What about David after his sin with Bathsheba? 2 Samuel 11:13-14 Peter denied Jesus 3 times – but the Lord forgave and restored him

“I’m not good enough” God’s grace is extended to all who accept it, by His instructions Available to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9

“I’m not good enough” As we have seen, God is willing to forgive by His grace BUT, are you willing to forgive yourself? This is often the real obstacle Will I ACCEPT Gods forgiveness and live with gratitude for that?

“I’m not good enough” Is this your real reason? “I don’t know enough” You never will know everything. But if you understand that your are a sinner and that Jesus has the only way out of that (Acts 4:12, John 14:6), HOW to become a Christian, and the need to live faithfully – you know enough. Matthew 28:19-20 – observe all things

“I’m not good enough” Is this your real reason? “I don’t think I can live the life of a Christian” YES, you can! I will be truthful, it is not easy! BUT, it is worth it! Are you willing? Cf. Acts 16:31ff, 9:6

“I’m not good enough” Is this your real reason? “I don’t really want to change” You have to make up your mind! Felix put off obedience Acts 24:25 The rich, young ruler walked away – Matthew 19:22 – Jesus did NOT say, “That’s ok! Come back when you’re ready” You are gambling with your eternity!

“I’m not good enough” Consider: When you obey the gospel, you are a babe in Christ God understands this. Growth will come with time 1 Peter 2:1-2, Hebrews 6:1 God wants you to grow, but you start somewhere!

“I’m not good enough” Consider: As Christians, we will sin from time to time This is NOT saying we HAVE TO sin, but we will! As you begin your walk, there will likely be struggles and failures BUT, you can overcome these through repentance and persistence

“I’m not good enough” Consider: As Christians, we will sin from time to time God knows how to forgive His saints – 1 John 1:9, Acts 8:22 God knows how to deliver us out of temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Peter 2:9

“I’m not good enough” Consider: As Christians, we will sin from time to time Note: This is NOT an excuse to do whatever you want. When we sin there are consequences. BUT as long as we are trying, we can be forgiven (1 John 1:7-9)

“I’m not good enough” Consider: We have resources God’s word will build us up – Acts 20:32, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We have the avenue of prayer – 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 1:9, 5:14-15, James 1:5 We have our brethren – Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Romans 15:1, James 5:16

“I’m not good enough” Consider: Putting off obedience never makes it easier Typically, it becomes harder. It becomes easier to put it off again and again - cf. Hebrews 3:13 – hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Did Felix ever obey? Acts 24:25-26

“I’m not good enough” Consider: Putting off obedience never makes it easier There will ALWAYS be an excuse to delay obedience, even with the best of intentions – Acts 22:16, 2 Corinthians 6:2 Delay is dangerous! 2 Corinthians 5:10, Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 9:27

Obeying the gospel is a serious decision, with eternal consequences. Regardless of your decision, there ARE eternal consequences

Why not decide to obey Him today?