Scripture Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Answering "Why?"
Intro.
1. “Why did you seek me?” (Luke 2:49)
2. Imagine Jesus asking you that question. Sometimes we are uncomfortable answering “Why?” because it challenges us to be honest with ourselves (and the one asking “Why?”).
3. Honest answers to “Why?” reveal our motives, reasons, and purposes.
4. Why did you seek Jesus? Why did you become a Christian? Why does it matter? (Why are you here today?)
I. WHY ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN? Is it…
A. Because You Believe Jesus is the Son of God? John 20:30-31
B. Because You Know the Value of Your Soul? Matt. 16:24-27
-Self-denial, burden-bearing, and following Jesus; Prepared.
C. Because You Want to be Saved? Acts 16:30-34
D. To Please Someone Else? Gal. 6:4-5; 2 Cor. 5:10
E. To Avoid Hell? (“fire insurance”) 1 John 4:17-19
F. To Live for Heaven? Phil. 3:13-14; 3:20-4:1 (Heb. 11:13-16)
II. WHY ARE YOU HERE TODAY?
A. Out of Curiosity? Matt. 11:7-8; John 18:34; Acts 17:18-21
1. Brought an opportunity to teach (17:18).
2. Few are led to faith by curiosity, Acts 17:32-34; John 1:45-49.
B. Searching for “Something Better” in Your Life? (cf. Matt. 9:36)
1. Meaning of/for your life? Eccl. 12:13-14 (Matt. 11:28-30)
2. A “church home?” Acts 2:41-47
3. Peace? John 14:27 (Acts 10:36, 42-43, 48) Believe and obey Jesus, Col. 2:12-17.
4. An answer to the problem of sin? Acts 2:36-41
5. What is truth? John 18:38, 37; 17:17 (Ps. 119:142, 151)
C. Because You Had to (made to) Come? Luke 14:15-24 (“Bed Springs c of C”)
1. Nobody can make you believe, Acts 26:28-29.
2. Nobody can make you obey from the heart, Acts 24:24-25.
3. Choose whom you will serve, Josh. 24:15 (Heb. 3:7-13).
D. Because You Want To…
1. Worship God, John 4:23-24 (Ps. 122:1); Acts 2:42; 20:7.
2. Hear the word of God, Acts 10:32-33 (1 Tim. 4:6, 16).
3. Encourage your brethren, Heb. 10:24-25.
4. Grow in Christ, 1 Cor. 14:26 (5, 12); 1 Pet. 2:1-3.
5. Have genuine faith and sincere love, James 4:17 (1:21-27); 1 Pet. 1:22.
III. WHY DOES IT MATTER?
A. Because God is Real (Exod. 5:2; John 1:18).
1. “Because He is God and I am not.”
2. His power, knowledge, love, mercy, and justice are real, Rom. 1:20; 11:22; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:10-11.
B. Because Jesus Died for you, Rom. 5:6-11.
C. Because Jesus Lives, 1 Cor. 15:12-20, 29-34.
D. Because You Matter to God and Others, Matt. 10:31 (Luke 19:10); (local church, 1 Cor. 12:14-27).
Conclusion
1. There are no “worthless” souls – God loves everyone.
2. Sin destroys souls; Jesus saves souls. Will He save you? (Acts 2:40-41)
3. Thankful souls fear and follow Jesus, Luke 17:13-19.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted July 26, 2022