DON’T BE DISQUALIFIED 

READING: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-7

Verse 5: “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

There are many these days who are deceived in their beliefs that they have been received into God’s Kingdom. These are people who, based on their preferences, have established their own definitions for what it takes to be accepted into the Kingdom of the Lord. They are also people who are in need of the counsel provided by today’s verse. Godly order demands that rules preside over personal preferences or perceptions. Here is an illustration. Everyone who wants to become a college student must conform to the rules for admission to the school. People can walk around on campus carrying books, and maybe even sit in some classes. They may look exactly like enrolled students. However, unless they have been acknowledged as such by the college, they won’t be students. They won’t receive a student’s privileges or rewards. In a like manner, those who claim Christianity based on their own definitions and preferences are not Christians. They have not respected the rules that permit them that stature. They will not receive the Christian’s privileges or rewards. But here is the good news. All who do accept, receive and follow gospel standards are welcome participants. Theywill be full recipients of the goodness of the Lord. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. In our society today, what promotes the belief that people can make their own rules?

2. Is it hard to follow Kingdom rules?