The Challenge to Excel (Part Two): 1 Thessalonians 4 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 4

About this sermon

Beloved, God is not interested in mere lip service. He wants us to put Bible truths into action in our own lives so we will please Him and not live a life of wickedness. This is how you grow spiritually. Understand that God’s truth does not have to be boring. Truth becomes boring when it is not applied in one's life. The reasoning of a bored person is, "Why do I need this?" This attitude leads to the boredom. Truth is boring when it is not understood. For this reason we must listen carefully and seek to understand truth. When truth is applied, it can be very exciting and very entertaining, because it is life changing. The Holy Spirit takes the truth of the Word of God and gives us joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction that entertainment or a temporary, conjured-up excitement cannot give to us. God enables us to excel in our walk with Him and service to Him. The word “excel” means “to exceed, outdo, to surpass, to go beyond a limit or a standard.” It involves performing or achieving at a higher level. When it comes to your Christian life, you are to outperform yourself. You are your biggest hindrance as well as your biggest help when it comes to excelling. Paul spoke about the frustration he had with himself. He said, “For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Romans 7:19). Understand beloved, that when it comes to pursuing excellence, you and I are not in competition with one another in order to be the best Christian because we are one body in Jesus Christ. We are to excel in spiritual growth in order to bring honor to the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify Him. Our accomplishments are to point others to HIM, not to ourselves. Our motive to excel is not to compete with others, boast, or glorify ourselves. Any Christian that would boast that he or she is a better Christian than others just proved that statement is not true at all. They are not the best at all. You and I are nothing but sinners saved by grace. Our responsibility is to do the very best that we can to love and obey our Savior. * Matthew 22:37-38... Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. God does have a plan and a purpose for your life! That is a sobering thought. God has an answer to your question, “Why am I here?” Are you willing to know that answer and plan, and secondly, are you willing to do what the Lord wants you to do? If you are wanting to find happiness, fulfillment in your life, and excel in your Christian growth, then make it a point to know and fulfill God's purpose for your life. This message was preached on Sunday night, March 14, 2021 at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.