Download... October 30, 2011. Sunday Morning Service. Bro. Dave Goble.
Personal responsibility is that before we think about solutions to problems, we need to think about 'our personal part,' or ..accountability, while we are in the midst of this “drama” of life we are “performing.” Often, people tend to look “elsewhere.” This is especially true in a personal and or spiritual experience. We need to spend time examining our own heart, life, and choices, etc. No matter how good (or not) we are, in different things, we need to allow God to train in His Word and ways. More today than ever before, people in society are demanding accountability.
Saints throughout time, have been the example of being fully accountable in all their actions and intentions,…standing up for the pure and right. Some have even been tried by being burned at the stakes in earlier centuries, and possibly in more recent times, of dictatorial countries. Burned, willingly, for Christ the good, ...even as it should be. For if the perceived “good” men are not actively committed, it is the fertilization for corruption to abound. A relevant and famous quote was made by Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ... How true this quote is! Too often, instead of people standing up for the good, they stand up for ‘themselves.’ Evil is only defeated by the light shining on it, then being actively conquered, by having taken the responsibility, to do so. Society often claims they demand responsible actions be taken for their perceptions of evil. But when all is said and done, they usually don’t want the revealing light to be shone upon them.
The very human, (not divine) spirit is to want the “light” to “shine” somewhere else, or on somebody else. This is true regardless of it being a spouse, child, family, friends, acquaintances, or etc. But in a Christian’s desire for real spiritual accountability, they ultimately want God to shine His light, right in the very core of their own soul. This is evident in the spiritually sanctified life. Not being so concerned with the motivations of others, but of their own. So they can ‘always’ take their own responsibility, ...spiritual and otherwise. What a different world we would have, if everyone took to heart this concern. Bro.Goble in his prior employment, was to respond to disasters, and pay for claims. Not just natural disasters but also manmade ones (thefts, embezzlement, burglary, etc.) You could not necessarily be able to comprehend the great cost, that sin and corruption have caused in society. The cost of monies, scarce world resources, and etc., when people choose sin over Salvation. Not just for the “things” involved, but in the hearts and lives of humanity itself. The corruption of hearts, will result in corrupt behavior. Bro David Goble spoke of the knowledge of some in recent times, desiring to secede from the United States. He said, “I hope they realize the involved costs to them,” in this potential action. Their “costs” would involve them no longer being able to partake of the things only found in the USA. People, before they “point the finger” in “judgment,” even in these secession attempts, ...should be first sure, that they take care of 'their own' contributing offenses. Matthew 7:1-3 1)Judge not that ye be not judged. 2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3) And why beholdest the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? All need to ask God, to shine His light on their own Personal Accountabilities, and Responsibility. Too often it is the personal part of responsibility that is not “paid attention to,” in any given problem, ...within any group.
Too often today, it is Social, and not Personal authority, that is taken. It happens so often in the many societal “protests.” Don’t allow yourself to be so “worked up,” so that you cannot see your own responsibility. An indirect “example” of this importance, was illustrated by a girl attending BST classes (for a number of years), of which she and her family very much loved this available class. In the different visitations to the father of this girl, it was learned that he was very much involved in a theory, of a conspiracy involving Prince Charles. He contended that Prince Charles was the “head of a worldwide conspiracy, to overthrow national and world governments, to set up one worldwide government.” As Bro Goble listened to this man expound on his book learned theory, he thought how foolish it all was, of the mass of theories one could get caught up in. Many theories have abounded (i.e. poisoned milk supply) that would distract one unnecessarily from their own spiritual responsibility in their life. When it was discovered that Bro Goble could not be in agreement with this man’s assertions, the man then forbade his daughter from attending BST any longer. Sad. Many things are important, but not at the expense of your undying soul.
TEXT: MATTHEW. 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Jesus said here, that we need to be concerned of ‘some’ things, but not at the expense of the “weightier” matters. Not at the expense of the “core” needs of our individual soul. Evidently these religious people didn’t value judgment, mercy, and faith, like they did the lesser things of the “law.” If they had really valued those spiritual concerns, they would have held them more important. There is nothing that is as valuable as what Jesus’ words in this verse indicate. Not spouse, family, religious heritage, or etc. Instead the whole of God’s Word shining it’s light on our soul to see our personal responsibility, is vital for spiritual application. Why did they leave off the “more” important, for the lesser parts involving that of the flesh? Because they ruled with a heart of fleshly concerns, rather than spiritual. Fleshly “matters” can, and often do, become an “addiction.” How much better to be addicted to God’s light on our soul! If one is addicted to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, lustful pursuits, etc., they will go after it. But if you become hungry for God’s Word, and Spirit, and cultivate that, you’ll crave it more and more! We need to be addicted to God’s Word!
Proverbs 6:9-11 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Just as a little teaching, prayer, studying, of Godly and spiritual matters, can cause a healthy addiction, so also can the letting down of those increase in an addiction, to the fleshly concerns, and spiritual poverty instead. We need to cultivate that “addiction” to godly and spiritual matters! For therein lies our proper responsibility and accountability. We cannot live spiritually without it. If godliness is not cultivated, we will come to the place that we feel that we can do without God and His Spirit. Thinking then, that we can do well enough on our own.
In cultivating spiritual personal responsibility and accountability, we will strive to teach only that which is needed to make heaven our home. When we start including our own convictions, and personal ideas, we make the way, 'more a stumbling block' for some. God’s way, is one of light, …and the strait and narrow. Matthew 7:13,14 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. How are 'you' doing?
Genesis 3:8-13 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. ” 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. This is the account of “the fall” in the Garden of Eden. God had asked them here how they knew they were naked. “Have you eaten of the tree, I have forbidden?” Not taking responsibility will cause us to lose our craving for God His ways, and will lead us little by little to that of being seduced to sin (verse 11). They actually pointed the finger here, ..but they were not honest of heart, when they did not allow God’s search light to shine on their own responsibility (verse 12). They could have said instead (of pointing the finger), “I disobeyed.” Personal responsibility!
Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Any, in sin, wanting what’s right, needs to acknowledge their own responsibility with an honest heart. Otherwise there is no spiritual help. It is necessary to realize, in any of our personal problems, that “I’m the man”(or woman). Until we get to that place of personal responsibility, God cannot help us. It takes confessing and forsaking of ‘our’ sins. Personal responsibility is not confined to just your own self, but held to your family, your congregation, friends, and other associations. Personal responsibility goes ‘way’ deep. We don’t need to allow the little things which will lead us away from God. On the computer unnecessarily until one in the morning, ...etc.? Ask God to shine His light in, and on, your heart of accountability.
Bro Goble told of a relevant incident, involving a work related trip to Mexico. In the hours not work related, they traveled in a group, designating one, (Bro Goble) as a “chaperone.” The others became drawn like a magnet to a bar. This of course left Bro Goble standing outside waiting for their return out of it. They finally noticed that he was not in there with them. One by one they came out showing their quite visual shame. Accountability. Bro Goble, as their chaperone, obviously was not going into those “dark places,” so without words he had become a light shining on their behavior. Bro D Goble then asked, “why do some think it is okay to go to those dens of iniquity, then go to church as if they are okay?” If it is okay to willingly partake of evil, then the death of Jesus is irrelevant. Unless of course, you’re then willing to let God shine His light on all of your heart, soul, and life.
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. To be justified, is to put your entire confidence in God. Erroneously, too many think they can be justified by their own religion. There is No substitute for faith between me and God! God only, can justify me. Any other accepted “justifications,” are only the seductive lies of the enemy. How are you, this morning?
Romans 8:8,9 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. It is necessary to allow God’s light to shine on your soul, to have His Spirit. There is no spiritual justification found in the flesh.
Job 2:3-6 3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. God allowed Satan “some” liberties, but forbade him to take Job’s life. Aren’t you glad to belong to God, (if you do), and not Satan? Job 3:3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. Job in his dark time, cursed the day he was born. Job 40:1-14 1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, 2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. 3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. 6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? 9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? 10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. 11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. 12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. 13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. 14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.
We find in the next scripture that Job finally gained understanding of what God was trying to show him. Job 42:5,6 5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Now Job’s understanding was given of God’s gift of lessons that God gave him. We are not able to love like He does. Job was shown how only God can make the heart right. We all have to be, and are, first UN righteous, so that He can make us righteous, having been given it from Him only. To ever be a saint, you first have been a sinner. Religion does not get this,(always a sinner according to most of them.) When Satan has his hand on you, God doesn’t. You cannot be under Satan’s domain, and also God’s. People that have sin (rebellion) in their hearts, are “dead” to God. His grace does Not Cover their sins, after “claiming” Salvation. They must confess and Forsake their sins, for God’s gift of Salvation, from willingly having God’s Light shine on their heart and life.
This message is not to criticize anyone’s faith, but showing the need to willingly allow God’s light to shine in their soul, with such a depth, that we have never had before. Regardless how “good” we think we are. It is still only Jesus and His Righteousness that is the answer. Going to church your life long is not the answer. If it were, Jesus would not have needed to die for your sins. We need His light to shine on all our heart, to truly have responsibility and accountability. We don’t want to “move” just because of the “voices of man.” We truly need to move when God’s Word and Spirit shines on any of our needs. It’s okay to in goodness, do your best, but the problem comes when you try to make it ‘a substitute’ for the truth. You then make it, in the strictest sense, your possessions of demons. Anything replacing God in your heart, is of demon possession. If I have problems without accepting spiritual criticism (or judgment), I refuse God’s light, show my responsibility, and or accountability. I need to be willing to let the light of God’s judgment shine on my heart’s accountability.
Be willing to be examined by the search light of God’s judgment.
