Intro.

1.  Few things have robbed the Lord & His people as much as spiritual indifference (insensitivity).

  a.  Robs Christians of giving their proper attention & involvement to spiritual things in their lives.

  b.  "Apathy is an attitude of indifference & unconcern toward spiritual things.  It generally ignores spiritual matters in order to place a greater emphasis on material things."

  c.  Indifference is one of the besetting sins of our age!

2.  The vigor & vitality of the Christian’s life is outlined in the following:  Matt. 6:33; Rom.12:1-2; Gal.2:20; Col .3:1-4.

3.  A thief is among us & we must root it out & conquer it -- APATHY!

I.  INDIFFERENCE ROBS CHRIST:

  A.  Of Souls - Lk. 19:10.

    1.  When one is indifference toward spiritual matters, truth will not penetrate heart - Soul lost! - Matt. 13:14-15

    2.  Worldliness w/ its affluence, preoccupation w/ secular things, etc., breeds spiritual indifference toward Christ & truth! Matt. 13:22

  B.  Of Sacrificial Servants - Lk. 9:23; Jno. 13:12-17.

    1.  Deny self & take up cross (difficulties of discipleship) -- Not for the uncommitted! (Lk. 8:13-14).

    2.  Jno. 13:12-17 - Christianity is not so you can be served - So you can serve others!

    3.  Lack of servants because there is an abundance of indifference!

  C.  Of Stalwart Soldiers - 2 Tim. 2:1-4.

    1.  v. 1-3 - Be strengthened in grace to teach & endure hardships of spiritual combat!

    2.  v. 4 - For many, affairs of this life are more important than the affairs of the next life!

    3.  Stable, resolute soldiers of the cross are in short supply! Eph. 6:10-13

II.  INDIFFERENCE ROBS A CHURCH:

  A.  Of Its Maximum Worship Potential.

    1.  Indifference shows itself through neglected attendance, preparation & participation.

      a.  Enthusiasm to worship will be missing - Psa. 122:1.

      b.  Violation of God’s stated will robs your brethren & yourself of edification - Heb. 10:24-25.

      c.  Hinders effective teaching & learning - Heb. 5:11-12.

    2.  Our interest must increase for our worship to be a blessing!

    3.  "I don’t get anything out of worship." - Are you putting anything in?!!

  B.  Of Its Maximum Work Potential.

    1.  cf. Giving - l Cor. 16:2.

      a.  We can only fund work according to funds available.

      b.  Little giving - Little work! - cf. 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

      c.  Our giving must increase!

    2.  cf. Individual work of spreading gospel - We must renew our zeal & fervor for sowing the seed!

    3.  As teachers & students of classes - Last minute thing, or priority?

  C.  Of Its Maximum Growth Potential - Eph. 4:14-16.

    1.  Growth of Christian affects growth of the body.

    2.  Lack of interest in personal growth directly affects church (damages it!).

    3.  No interest in self - No interest in others!

III.  INDIFFERENCE ROBS THE CHRISTIAN:

  A.  Of Spiritual Interest - Acts 2:42, 46; Rom. 12:11 (cf. Eccl. 12:1).

    1.  Bible study, personal growth & pure living.

    2.  l Pet. 2:l-2 - We shouldn’t have to be rebuked before we will study, grow & live pure lives!

    3.  Apathetic Christian has no time left for God! (School, job, play, etc.)

  B.  Of A Tender Heart - Jno. 12:37-40. (cf. Non-Christians, too!)

    1.  Apathy is to be "without emotion."

    2.  To the indifference, truth makes no impact of love, reverence, honor & devotion. (Heb. 6:4-6)

    3.  Heb. 3:12-14 - Be warned & exhorted to avoid effect of indifference!

  C.  Of His Soul - cf. Col. 3:2-4.

    1.  v. 3-4 - Live for Christ, reign with Christ!

    2.  Opposite necessarily true - 2 Tim. 2:1l-13.

Conclusion

1.  Spiritual indifference is sin! - Rev. 3:15-16

2.  Remedy: Repent & reaffirm our priorities - Then live them! (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:2)