Introduction:     The Christian life is not just simply a life of convince…it is a life of commitment! The emblem of Christianity is not a couch to lay on…it is a cross to die on! (Mat 16:24) "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." The child of God has much for which to be thankful (expound joy, abundance, forgiveness, peace), but there is a serious side of Christianity (there is a cross side) and the question this morning is how seriously are you taking your Christian commitment? 4 characteristics of those whom take their Christianity seriously…The serious Christian:

I.           REMEMBERS THE COMMITMENT OF CHRIST (VV.1-2)

How can I be uncommitted when I think about how committed Jesus was? He suffered for us. (Illus: when trouble comes…take a long look at the cross! The only way to receive a crown is to bear a cross!) As we contemplate the commitment of Jesus remember:

A.                 The Attitude Of Christ (v.1)

“With the same mind” = the same attitude. “Arm yourselves” = a man going to battle; he is a soldier. The first thing he does is he gets his armor (sword). When we go out in this world that is hell by the acre to live out our Christian commitment, we are to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Jesus Christ which is sacrifice. (Illus: examples of Jesus’ seriousness…as a boy in the temple; rebuke of Peter; 40 days of fasting in the wilderness; praying in the garden; His crucifixion) If Jesus can be so seriously committed, how can I put everything else in the world before Him?

            B.         The Assent Of Christ (v.2)

The guiding principle in Jesus’ life was doing the will of God the Father (John 8:29) "… the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."

“Ceased from sin” = Jesus is done with sin and made it possible for you to be done with sin!

II.         AVOIDS THE CONTROL OF SIN (V.3)

People that are serious about their Christianity have their flesh nailed to the cross and understand that a resurrected Christ is living in them. When they got saved God put holiness in them so they have to get the flesh out of the way so holiness can flow through them.

            A.        Should Be In The Past (3a)

The time spent in sin in the past is enough time spent in sin. Too many professing Christians today are controlled by sin. They’re living as though they were the person they were before they were saved (if they are saved) and not taking their Christianity seriously. For the serious Christian, sin is in the past!

            B.         Shouldn’t Be In The Present (3b)

Following are some specific sin that should not be going on presently in the child of God.

·        Lasciviousness = indecency. A person that has no moral guilt or shame. (Illus: this preaching makes me feel bad…)

·        Lust = desire; by context evil sexual desire.

·        Excess of wine / revellings = the overflow of wine. A party of drunken revelers running wild weary eyed through the streets; crazed with liquor.

·        Banquetings = carousing; a drinking bout or binge.

·        Abominable idolatries = anything or anyone put before the Lord.  

III.       EXPECTS THE CRITICISM OF UNBELIEVERS (VV.4-5)

Because:

            A.        You Won’t Take The Plunge (v.4)

“Run not with them” = to plunge in; like you’re diving into a river. They call it strange and make fun of you when you are no longer controlled by the flood tide of sin. But do not be discouraged by the criticism.

            B.         You Won’t Share Their Punishment (v.5)

How can you not be affected by the unsaved criticisms? Endure by understanding that Jesus will have the last word. Do not allow your lost friends to drag you down into sin with them. Beg them to get saved!

IV.       ANTICIPATES THE COMMENDATION OF GOD (V.6)

            A.        Christians Suffer For Righteousness Sake On Earth (4:16-19)

You and I know people that received the gospel and were saved that are now dead. They were ridiculed and criticized for their faith, but the criticizers did not win. Because of Jesus they are alive forevermore with Him in heaven

            B.         Christians Serve And Reign With Christ In Heaven (4: 14-15)

It doesn’t matter what anyone says about you or what they do to you. You don’t live for the commendation of men, but for the commendation of God!

Conclusion:       Every time you go through a trial. Every time you struggle, but keeping looking up and pushing forward in your commitment to God. Every time you are tempted to give up, but you remember the commitment of Christ and you carry on for Him. You not only overcome the hardships and obstacles, but you draw into you the power of God and with each passing storm you are stronger in the Lord. Are you serious about your Christianity? Are you serious about your commitment to serve the Lord?