BUT THEY MADE LIGHT OF IT  Matthew 22:5

The reason why sinners come not to Christ and salvation by him, is, not because they cannot, but because they will not. Making light of Christ, and of the great salvation wrought out by him, is the damning sin of the world. They were careless. Multitudes perish for ever through mere carelessness, who show no direct aversion, but are careless as to their souls. Also the business and profit of worldly employments hinder many in closing with the Saviour. Both farmers and merchants must be diligent; but whatever we have of the world in our hands, our care must be to keep it out of our hearts, lest it come between us and Christ.

I.                   DO NOT MAKE LIGHT OF YOUR CONSCIENCE

A-It must not be violated---Romans 14:23-And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin---To go against what you believe to be right is sin.

B-The conscience when continually violated can be seared---

I Timothy 4:2-Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron

II.                DO NOT CONSIDER LIGHTLY YOUR INFLUENCE

A-Guard it as you would a precious jewel---I Timothy 4:12-Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

B-To become a stumblingblock to someone is tragic.

III.             DO NOT MAKE LIGHT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

A-You have the responsibility of making decisions

B-Pilate thought that he could avoid deciding the question—“What shall I do unto Jesus, who is called Christ?” by washing his hands of the responsibility. Mt. 27:22---Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

IV.              DO NOT CONSIDER LIGHTLY THE WORD OF GOD

A-We will be judged by it at the last day—John 12:48-He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

B-To think that one can be saved without doing what God has said is to make light of His will. We must respect all that he has said---Matthew 4:4-But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

V.                 DO NOT TREAT CHRIST LIGHTLY

A-He is our Saviour

1-Acts 4:12-Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2- Matthew 1:21-And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

B-He is coming Again---John 14:3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also

C-He will be our Judge--- Acts 17:31-Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

VI.              DO NOT TREAT HIS PRECIOUS INVITATIONS LIGHTLY

A-Matthew 11:28-Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

B-Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.