Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #9
Thursday, 3 November 2005
Second Morning Message
Theme: The Great Makeover
Commitment that Lasts a Lifetime
KEY TEXTS

A. Paul’s Example

1. Philippians
2. 2 Corinthians
3. Pastoral Epistles
4. Acts 20
5. Acts 24

B. The Supreme Example of the Lord Jesus

The Gospels

1. Obeying the Father
2. Will of God
3. In Constant communion with God

INTRODUCTION

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

2 Timothy 4:1-2

COMMITMENT

1. A rare word today
2. Few believe in Commitment
3. Fewer practise commitment

COMMITMENT FOR LIFE

1. An even more difficult thought
2. Few feel that they can have a commitment that will last a lifetime

COMMITMENT – IS IT TRULY POSSIBLE?

The Example of the Apostle Paul

1. Basis of Commitment

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, To make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen And of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, To whom I now send you, to open their eyes in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.Therefore, king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision

Acts 26:16-19

a) A Direct, heavenly Commission from the Lord Jesus Christ

i) A minister

ii) A witness

ii) An apostle to the Gentiles

b) Promise of the Lord’s Presence

i) Revelation of deep spiritual truths

ii) Deliverance

c) Description of Ministry

i) To open blind eyes

ii) To turn people from darkness to light

iii) Spiritual battle “from the power of Satan to God”

iv) Evangelism “forgiveness of sins and an inheritance”

v) Teaching – “Sanctified by faith in Me”

2. Understanding of Commitment

I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision

Acts 26:19

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart

2 Corinthians 4:1

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

a) No loss of heart, no matter the toughness of condition in life or ministry          (Cf. 2 Cor. 4:8-9)

b) Daily Inward renewal

i) Change is implied

ii) Context suggests that this change is with reference to the spirit          2 Cor. 4:13

iii) More and more Paul found himself gazing at the eternal things          2 Cor. 4:17-18

3. Triumph of Commitment

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

a) Faithful to the very end

b) Fruitful throughout life

4. Sustaining Commitment

a) Love

And now abide faith, hope love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

b) Christ

For the love of Christ compels us…

2 Corinthians 5:14

c) Brethren

For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:8

RETREAT CHALLENGES

1. What would happen if there is no Commitment?
2. How should you strengthen your sense of commitment?
3. Are you ready to make a definite commitment?
4. Ponder Jesus’ words to Peter

Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me…?

John 21: 15, 16, 17

5. The greatest of all commitment comes from a heart of love          (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8)