A Commitment to "I Will"

This message was inspired by the general vision God has given us as a church and by a book by Thom Rainer, I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian. Below are the sermon notes that go along with the message.

Is your walk with Christ authentic? Are you the same person at work as you are at home as you are at church? What we are proposing is that if we get authentic in our walk with Christ, we will be same person everywhere we go. This starts among the people of God. It should be exemplified in church. Therefore, let us start among us.

I will have the attitude of Christ and put other church members before my wants and desires.

I am committing to be a:

unifying church member.

sacrificing church member.

prayerful church member.

joyful church member.

(Phil 2:1-11)

I will gladly participate in worship services with my fellow church members as long as I am physically able.

This is about joyful commitment, not legalistic or begrudging attendance.
Put a high priority on worship, and attend faithfully
Pray for the worship, that you and others will magnify God
Pray for salvations and life-change.

(Heb 10:24-15; Acts 2:42-47)

I will have a regular quiet time in the Bible and prayer, and I will be involved in a Bible group or a class so that I might grow spiritually together with others, and so that I might be accountable to them.

Small groups are directly tied to the health of the church.
Each person’s quiet time strengthens the group.
Groups encourage us and keep us accountable.
Small groups do life together.
You will grow and help others grow.

(Acts 2:42-47)

I will joyfully serve others for their good and God’s glory.

Jesus set the example of serving
There is joy in serving.
Our service is for the other person’s good
Our service glorifies God, not us.

(Mt 20:26-28; Phil 2:8; Heb 12:2)

I will go and share the gospel with others in words and deeds and not be ashamed of my Savior.

Have a ‘let’s go’ mentality
Pray for opportunities
Invite people to your small group or to church.
Intentionally look for opportunities.
Be equipped to talk about the gospel.

(Mt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:19-20)

I will give abundantly and joyfully, recognizing that God is the owner of all things I currently steward.

This is a heart issue, not a financial issue.
Pray so that you give as the Lord leads.
Understand that God is not limited by your limits.
Give in trust, obedience, and cheerfulness.

(Mt 6:19-24; 2 Cor 9:6-7)

I will participate in the life of my church because God leads me to do so, not because I feel compelled to please people or to feel guilty for saying “no.”

Pray for direction on where to serve.
Inaction is not an option.
Be intentional and step up to volunteer. (You’ve been asked!)
Engage in church life (L.I.F.E. Events, Connect OUT, etc.)

(Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12)

I will focus on the positive ways God is using my church, and not on the flaws of my church, its leaders, or its members.

Be on the hunt for God’s handiwork.
Look for ways God is working in various areas of the church.
Focusing on what God is doing brings us joy and celebration and peace.
Celebrate those things and encourage others with them.

(Mt 23:13-36; Phil 4:8-9)

I will pray that God will use me as an instrument to revive His church, for His name, and for His glory.

There is no perfect church, no perfect pastor, no perfect church member (including you).
Ask questions about a problem to make sure you understand the situation accurately.
Pray and seek wisdom in God’s Word before addressing a problem.
Your aim must be to revive and restore.
Your aim is to strengthen relationships.
Your aim is to build up, not tear down.