TITLE: Compassed This Mountain Long Enough
TEXT: Deut. 2:1-3
PROPOSITION: God does not want us to get "stuck" on our way to Canaan.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Symptoms
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. God did not want Israel to get "stuck" or "side-tracked" on the way to the Promised Land.
2. God does not want us to get "side-tracked" on the way to heaven.
3. A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out.
4. Here are symptoms of being "spiritually stuck".
I. Unforgiveness Matt. 6:14-15
A. Not saying - ignore, pretend it never happened
B. But - let past be in the pass
C. Focus ahead, work together, go forward
D. Bury the hatchet; "no handle sticking out"
II. Neglect Heb. 10:25; James 4:17
A. Worship, work, programs
B. Wrapped up in negative thinking
1. Zig Ziglar - "stinkin' thinkin'"
2. Critical of each other
C. Neglect what is important -
1. Preach gospel to this community
2. Develop personally and spiritually
3. Deal with issues - while they are small sores
III. Hypocrisy Rom. 16:18
A. Rom. 2:1
1. Don't criticize others
2. When you do the same things
3. OR Fail to do the same things
B. Hypocrisy = self-righteous attitude
1. "I am smarter. I know how it should be done."
2. "I will not do it. I will watch and complain."
3. If you don't vote - don't complain about laws
IV. Selfishness Gal. 5:17
A. Burger King - "Have It Your Way"
B. The weight of a man does not hurt the horse - burr under the saddle does.
Conclusion:
1. Old westerns - chase scene - pass same tree 3 times
2. Aren't you tired of complaints, criticism, gossip, gripping?
3. Are you ready to step out in faith and work for Jesus?
4. Who is on the Lord's side?