Ephesians 5:15
What is your greatest ability?
What is your greatest responsibility?
"Responsibility is the greatest developer. It builds character. It helps you grow."
"Responsibility is the price of greatness."
We have a culture that desires to accuse and excuse.
1. The RIGHTS mentality.
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Our culture says we have the Bill of Rights, but we need to renew the Bill of Responsibilities.
2. The VICTIM mentality.
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We spell blame, b-lame.
3. The ENTITLEMENT mentality.
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"I deserve it. The world owes me a living!"
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"I'm not responsible for anything. It's not my fault."
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"Why did God put me here?"
#1. Why should I live a responsible life?
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1. Because God is watching me.
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Hebrews 4:13 (NCV) "Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is open before Him, and to Him, we must explain the way we have lived."
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Life is a test of responsibility.
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Jesus says, "Take up your cross and follow Me" and "Deny yourself."
#2. What do I do and why am I here?
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1. To get to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.
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"What did you do with what I gave you?"
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Romans 14:12 (NLT) "Each of us will have to give a personal account to God."
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2. Because others are affected by my life.
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Every decision you make affects someone else.
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That’s why it’s irresponsible to say, “I can live any lifestyle I want.”
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3. I need to be responsible because God rewards it.
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Deuteronomy 28:2 (NCV) "You will experience all God's blessings if you obey the Lord."
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Matthew 25:29 (NLT) "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given."
#3. How can I be a more responsible person?
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1. By saving money.
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Proverbs 21:20 (LB) "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets."
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You live on less than you make.
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"It's really simple. I give the first 10% as the tithe back to God. I save 10%, and I live on the other 80%."
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Ecclesiastes 7:4 (NLT) "The fool thinks only about having a good time now."
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2. By controlling my reactions.
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Proverbs 29:11 (GWT) "A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them."
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Matthew 12:36 (NCV) "People will be responsible for every careless word they've said."
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I need to put my mind in gear before I put my mouth in motion.
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Romans 12:21 (NLT) “Don’t let evil get the best of you but conquer evil by doing good.”
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“God, You take care of this situation.”
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3. By guarding my mind.
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"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."
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When Satan gives you a thought, it's called temptation.
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When God gives you a thought, it's called inspiration.
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Proverbs 15:14 (NLT) “A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.”
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Some of your open minds need to be closed for repairs.
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4. By admitting my mistakes.
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Hosea 4:4 (NLT) "Don't point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!"