AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Dec. 12,1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Sripture Reading: Romans 12:16-21
Text: Romans 12:18
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Notice that the text says, “IF it be possible,” which implies that it might NOT always be possible to live peaceably with all men. Then notice that it says, “as much as lieth in you.” I want to concentrate on that expression this morning.
Some things are not as important as others. Not everything deserves the same amount of energy, concentration, and care. I cannot justify giving as much of my heart to tennis, pumping iron, playing gold, or collecting stamps, as I can to winning souls, reading the Bible, praying, and pleasing Christ.
Our text says, “as much as lieth in you.” There are some things that deserve your best attention. I want to mention some of those and encourage you to do them with all your might.
I. AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
This is not easy, but we should make these efforts a priority in our lives:
A. Abstain from fighting
* It takes two to have a real fight.
* Realize that some people just want to argue.
* Realize that some people expect to be attacked or mistreated.
* Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
B. Avoid foolish questions
* We know that lost people ask foolish questions, like, “Where did Cain get his wife?” “How did all the animals get into the ark?”
* Saved people ask foolish questions, too.
* “Did you hear about what Brother ***** did?”
* “Did you know what Sister ***** said about you?”
* “Do you agree with the new car the pastor bought?”
C. Ask for forgiveness for your enemies
* This is a lot easier to say than to do!
* Jesus prayed for His enemies.
* Stephen prayed for His enemies.
* The Lord expects us to pray for them, and to do good to them.
* This is not easy. It is work! And, “as much as lieth in you” …
II. AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LEAN ENTIRELY ON THE LORD
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
A. Trust Him for deliverance
* Deliverance from hell – Acts 16:31
* Deliverance from habits
* Deliverance from hopelessness
B. Trust Him for direction – Prov. 3:5-6
* During problems
* Dealing with people
* Choosing a mate
* Choosing a job or career
* Choosing a church
* Choosing a place of residence
C. Trust Him for daily provision
* Of food
* Of clothing
* Of shelter
* Of peace
* Of strength
III. AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LABOR ZEALOUSLY
2 Kings 10:16 And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.
A. Put forth much effort for the Lord!
* God blesses faith, but He also blesses hard WORK in Christian service!
* Build that bus route! That choir! That Sunday School class!
B. Pray fervently!
* The effectual, FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much!
* Get emotionally involved when you pray!
* Shed tears!
* “Mean business!”
* Pray specifically!
C. Pay attention to small things!
* Show God you will be faithful in big things, by being faithful in little things!
* Someone has said that if you will do the small things well, then the big things will come together right!
D. Press forward!!!
* Make progress!
* Set goals!
* Do better work this year than last!
* Do more work this year than last!
* Be more fruitful this year!
IV. AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LOVE GOD COMPLETELY
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
A. Let our love be sincere
* Not just lip-service, but REAL
* From the HEART
B. Let our love by stedfast
* Sunday after Sunday
* Year after year
* Month after month
* Week after week
* Hour after hour
* Minute after minute
* Second after second
* At all times, at all places — at church, at home, at work, on vacation …
C. Let our love be spoken
* In prayer
* In song
D. Let our love be shown
* John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
* By laboring for Him
* By faithfulness to Him
* By praising Him
* By thanking Him
* By learning more of Him
* By making Him known to others