I. Your effort
A. Anything worth having is worth working for (Colossians 1:10).We are to walk worthily, and doing this takes effort. The Christian's walk takes real effort.
B. Our efforts should mirror those of Christ (1 Peter 2:21).
C. Our effort is evidence of our faith. People should see that we are of Christ - that we are a part of His body (James 2:18).
II. Your time
A. Time is a valuable asset. During any given day, we each are given the same amount of time (Colossians 4:5)
B We are given time to use. Do we use our time in a way so that it is evidence of our faith? (Acts 24:25)
III. Your dedication
A. Stay focused on the goal. Our first goal should be in our dedication to God (Hebrews 12:1).
B. Don't let yourself become discouraged (Romans 8:28).
C. Your dedication is evidence of your faith (Ephesians 4:14).
IV. Your heart
A. Christianity is from the heart (Matthew 22:37).
B. Our heart shows where our treasure is. (Matthew 6:21)
V. Your obedience
A. Our obedience proves our faith. We must keep the commandments which have been given to us by Christ. We must obey them (John 14:15).
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
