Audio Archives (since 1963)
Five Decisions of Successful Christians
Dr. Bill Patterson
Dr. Bill and Marcy Patterson's main focus has been Bible translation and church planting, but they have also worked in training Bible translators, establishing Bible institutes, developing ministries for youth and children, and speaking in conferences. Dr. Patterson is the President of Mount Abarim Baptist Mission International and the Director of the Bethesda Children’s Homes in Tlapa, Mexico. They are member missionaries of Worth Baptist Church.
Hebrews 12:1-3
40:45
Dr. Bill Patterson, Five Decisions of Successful Christians, Hebrews 12:1-3, Sunday Morning, 7/28/2019
Decision # 1: Confess my Sin
- Why should I confess my sin?
1. The witnesses that are watching me
2. The weight (heavy obstacles/burdens) caused by my sin
3. The constraints (limitations/restrictions) of my sin
- How do I confess my sin? 1 John 1:7-10
1. Acknowledge my sin
2. Agree with God regarding my sin
3. Ask God for forgiveness
4. Allow God to cleanse me of my sin
NOTE: Confession, forgiveness and sanctification are interwoven!
Decision # 2: Run with Patience
NOTE: The Greek word for “race” is the root word from which we get the English word “agony.”
- Three Truths about my Race:
1. Everyone has an exclusive race placed before them
2. Every race has its good moments and bad moments
3. Every race can be run well, but only with God’s help
- The value of patience/perseverance:
1. Patience allows me to come to perfection (James 1:4)
2. Patience allows me to receive the promises of God (Hebrews 10:36)
3. Patience allows God to work in my life (Romans 5:3-5)
Decision # 3 Grow in the Knowledge of God (2 Peter 3:18)
Note: the verb translated as “looking” can be fully understood as “to watch closely for the purpose of better understanding something or someone.”
- Why do we need to know the Lord better?
1. The knowledge of God eliminates doubts about salvation (2 Peter 1:5-11)
2. The knowledge of God is the greatest objective (Phil. 3:8-10)
- How can we know the Lord better?
1. Reading His Word (Ephesians 3:4)
2. Asking for wisdom in our prayers (James 1:5)
3. Meditating on Him (Hebrews 12:3)
4. Obeying Him (1 John 2:3-4)
Decision # 4: Focusing on our Task
- Characteristics of a Person who is Successful in Ministry: (2 Timothy 4:1-8)
1. Faithful (in season and out of season)
2. Committed to the cause (avoids distractions)
3. Endures hardships
4. Willing to serve in any way
5. Guards his integrity
6. Acts responsibly
7. Loves the purpose that motivates him
- Christ is our example:
1. Endured the cross
2. Despised the shame
3. Sat down at the right hand of God’s throne
Decision # 5: Consider the prize (1 Peter 1:5)
- What is the “Joy set before you”?
1. An eternal prize
2. An unfading and incorruptible prize
3. A conditional prize (1 Corinthians 9:16-19)
4. An earned prize (1 Corinthians 9:24)
5. A prize that can be lost (Colossians 2:18)
- Why do some lose their prize?
1. Unfaithfulness (Revelation 2:10)
2. Pride (1 Timothy 3:6)
3. Lack of dependence on God (Proverbs 3:5-7)
4. Not running according to the rules (2 John 1:8)
Conclusion: our success is determined by the decisions we make. What kind of decisions are you making?
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