TITLE: God Gave Up

TEXT: Romans 1:18-32

PROPOSITION: Some are so set on evil that we must learn to give up on them.

QUESTION: When?

KEY WORD: Attitudes

SCRIPTURE READING:

INTRODUCTION:

1. When a boxer is being beaten – the manager might "throw in the towel."
2. Sometimes God will give up – "throw in the towel."
3. When and why will God give up?
4. Are there people so wicked that we must "give up" on them?
5. How can this help us to know when to give up?

 

When God ALMOST gave up:

1. Ninevah – Jonah 3:1-4
2. Israel – Golden Calf – Exodus 32:10

 

When god DID give up:

1. Flood – Genesis 6:3-8 "thoughts only evil continually"
2. Sodom – Genesis 19:24-25
3. Israel – Assyrian Captivity – 2 Kings 17:22-23
4. Judah – Babylonian Captivity – Ezekiel 8:17-18
5. Fornication in the church – 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5, 7, 11
   Purpose: to restore – 2 Corinthians 2:6-10
   Jesus instructions – Matthew 18:15-17 – "if he refuses to hear"
   Disputes, contentions, strife – Titus 3:9-10 – reject after 2^nd admonition
6. Hymanaeus and Alexander – 1 Timothy 1:19-20

 

Applications for us today:

1. In teaching the lost – Drill where there is oil.
   Shake dust off your feet – Mark 6:11
2. In restoring the erring – Do they desire to change?
3. In dealing with sin – Is there a sign of willingness to repent?
4. In family and personal relationships – Giving up may bring them back.
5. NOT at the first sign of a problem – The issue is not what I like.
   The issue is not some sin is involved.
   The issue IS will this change? Is there repentance? Is there a desire to change?

 

Conclusion:

1. God gives up – not when we sin – but when we refuse to repent.
2. We must learn that some will not change – will not repent.
3. Give up – does not mean stop caring.
   Perhaps, just say, "When you are ready to study, let me know."
   "When you are ready to make some changes in your life, I will help."