{ Accepting More Responsibilities Last Sunday morning, you were very kind in your comments and compliments of the sermon on “Accepting Responsibility,” But what you did not know at that time was that I had at least one more lesson planned, if not two, along the same theme. In that presentation, we considered the question, “If someone dies in a lost condition, who is responsible?” Today, I’d like us to take a look at….

 As we saw last time, each one is ultimately responsible for his own soul, Ezk.18 and 2Cor.5:10.  And yet, we also concluded that varying degrees of responsibility may be shared for a lost soul’s peril.  But there are other areas of responsibility which may influence the final destiny of ourselves and others- like, “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?” Accepting More Responsibilities

 Many in the religious world emphasize “accepting Jesus,” but then have little regard or emphasis on growth (is ‘once saved- always saved’ responsible?).  What does God say? 2Thess.1:3-5; 2Pet.3:17-18  Sincere disciples realize the need for spiritual growth and development- and are uneasy or ashamed of their spiritual immaturity, Heb.5:12.  And if they don’t understand this need, their spiritual leaders surely should be helping them to do so.  This begs the question…. Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?” Is that even a viable question?

Could the Preacher be responsible?  Absolutely! Ezk.3:17-21  Besides, he may not be my kind of preacher; and my lack of confidence in him, or his inabilities to communicate God’s word effectively certainly may affect my spiritual growth and development.  After all, he is the person from whom I receive most of my instruction- it may not ought to be so, but this is the reality.  Preachers cannot accept responsibility for growth (individuals or collectively), and deny it when there is a lack thereof, 1Tim.4:16. Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?”

Could the Elders be responsible?  Sure! Heb.13:17  It is their responsibility to feed, Acts 20:28; and that duty is not fulfilled in hiring a preacher.  They are to be apt (KJV; ability + propensity) to teach, 1Tim.3:2. Why, if “the preacher does that”?  Elders cannot accept responsibility for growth (individuals or collectively), and deny it when there is a lack thereof, 1Pet.5:2. Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?”

Could the Bible Class Teachers be responsible?  You bet! Eph.4:11-13  They, too, have a part to play in the spiritual growth and development of individuals, 1Cor.12:28; 14:26.  If bible teachers do not take their responsibilities seriously, and give proper dedication to it, how can they be effective in helping others to grow?  Teachers cannot accept responsibility for growth (individuals or collectively), and deny it when there is a lack thereof, Rom.12:6-7. Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?”

Could it also be that the Individual is responsible?  Certainly! 2Pet.1:5-11  He is responsible for his desire to eat and grow, 1Pet.2:5. Have you ever tried to feed a baby who didn’t want to eat- they’re bob and weave experts!  “But what if I’m just not hungry? What if I just don’t like spiritual food?”  The available spiritual food preparers/servers may not be gourmets, but you can still get in the kitchen and prepare meals for yourself (and others). But you have to eat to grow and be useful, Jas.1:18-27; 4:17; 2Tim.2: Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?” But…

When ‘someone’ is not growing spiritually, the responsibility surely may be shared by the Preacher(s), Elders, and Bible Teachers. But:  They at least realize the need and importance for growth, and are dedicating themselves to doing something about it.  Let them help you to grow by: Taking full advantage of all of their efforts; and Taking full advantage of all of their efforts; and Accepting the ultimate responsibility for your own spiritual growth and development instead of blaming someone else for its absence. Accepting the ultimate responsibility for your own spiritual growth and development instead of blaming someone else for its absence. Accepting More Responsibilities “If ‘someone’ is not growing and developing as a Christian, who is responsible?” Conclusions: