THE PERIL OF BECOMING A SPIRITUAL DROPOUT

Text: Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.

Introduction: Dropping out of school is a major problem which young people incur. Reasons for Dropping out are 1-Dislike of School 2-Academic Failure 3-Need of Work 4-Desire for Marriage  5-Unfair Teachers  A careful study of the Church Membership roll will let us know that the percentage if Spiritual Dropouts is even greater than those of the School Dropouts.  A Spiritual dropout is one who for some reason other than death ceases to participate in the educational, and/or worship ministry of the church without transferring his/her membership to another congregation.

I.                   THE PERIL OF BECOMING A SPIRITUAL DROPOUT

A-Jeremiah-A prophet who became a spiritual dropout for a while (Jer. 20:7  LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. 8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. 9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.)

     1-Depression

     2-Exhaustion

B-Elijah-Another of God’s men who became a spiritual dropout for a while (I Kings 19)

    1-Loneliness

    2-Fear

C-John Mark-A spiritual dropout who later returned to his task and became a profitable and efficient servant of the Lord

Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

II Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

II.                THE MULTIPLE OR MINGLED CAUSES FOR SPIRITUAL DROPOUT

A-Weariness Galatians 6:9

B-The difficulty of the struggle Ephesians 6:10,11

C-An improper desire for financial success I Timothy 6:5-10

D-An unwillingness to forgive those who have mistreated us 

    Matthew 6:14-15

E-The neglect of either our private or public worship 

    Hebrews 10:24-25

F-An incomplete response to the total will of God

G-The deliberate toleration of known sin

H-Unrealistic Expectations concerning the perfection of

    Others

III.             THE HIGH COST OF BECOMING A SPIRITUAL DROPOUT (Too high to pay!)

A-You suffer when you neglect to be or to do that which God has willed for you to do or be.

B-Consider how your family will be deprived and even robbed by your neglect to be the person that you are capable of being with God’s help.

C-Consider the High cost to God who is busy at the task of trying to redeem a lost world.

IV.              A PRESCRIPTION FOR PREVENTING SPIRITUAL DROPOUT

A-Recognize that Salvation is something more than a ticket on a train that carries you to heaven.

B-Accept personal responsibility for yourself, for your decisions and your destiny.

C-Accept some responsibility for others. Recognize that God has saved you in order that you might be of service to others.

D-Respond to the continuing inward encouragement provided by the Holy Ghost as he seeks to lead you toward spiritual maturity.