TITLE: The Dangers of Summertime

TEXT: Matthew 24:32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

PROPOSITION: As summer approaches we must become aware of the dangers that are present and avoid them.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Dangers

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Summer is an exciting time. School is out. Vacations. Camping. Weekend trips. Fishing.

2. There are some dangers of summertime.

3. Hebrews 11:25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (KJV for a season)

4. Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time (KJV season) I will call for you.”

5. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

6. Proverbs 15:23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Attendance Slump

1. Vacations, Reunions, Weekend trips

2. More subs in the classes - fewer students

3. I understand - need to get away – vacation – visit relatives

4. DANGER: Don't take a vacation from God.

Contribution Slump

1. Spend money on vacation trip.

2. Away and forget to double the next week.

3. The church’s work and expenses continue when you are gone
   for the weekend or on vacation.

4. 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

5. This verse teaches regular giving.

6. DANGER: Don't neglect to support the work of this church.

Dress

1. I am not trying to “write the rules”

2. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, ¹⁰but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

   1. Modest = decent and appropriate

   2. Not showy or flashy

   3. Adorned with “good works”

3. Watch the trend entering the house of worship.

4. DANGER: Don't allow summer to lead you to dress wrong.

Church work "dead in the water"

1. Programs slow to a halt

2. Visitation almost stops – We are too busy to visit.

3. Bringing visitors slows down

4. DANGER: Don't take a vacation from God.

Morals – Temptations

1. More Opportunities; Less Clothes

2. More free time; Less resistance

3. There are more teen pregnancies born in March – May
   (Conceived in June – August)

4. Spirit is willing – flesh is weak

5. DANGER: Don't let down your moral guard.

Family

1. Too many separate activities – Less time together (even meals)

2. Home becomes just a house.

3. Communication breaks down in the summertime

4. DANGER: Don't let the family fall apart.