TEXT: Matt 11: 1-30, Hosea 6:3, Deut 6:5, Phil 4:13
Hosea 6:3 – 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Deut 6:5 – 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Phil 4:13 – 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Definitions:
A. Commitment: Commitment refers to the act of dedicating oneself to a particular cause, purpose, or relationship. It involves a willingness to sacrifice time, energy, and resources to achieve a desired goal.
B. Increase: Increase refers to the act of becoming greater in amount, degree, or intensity. In the context of spiritual growth, increase refers to the process of becoming more like Christ, bearing more fruit, and experiencing greater intimacy with God.
C. Commitment for Increase: Commitment for increase refers to the act of dedicating oneself to the pursuit of spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and intimacy with God. It involves a willingness to sacrifice time, energy, and resources to achieve a deeper relationship with God and to experience the abundant life that He promises.
Areas to be committed
1. Commitment to Seeking God:
We must seek God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13
2. Commitment to Prayer:
Prayer is essential for spiritual growth and increase. “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. Commitment to Studying God’s Word:
Studying God”s Word is crucial for spiritual growth and increase.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15
4. Commitment to Fellowship:
Fellowship with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and increase.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
5. Commitment to Obedience:
Obedience to God”s Word is crucial for spiritual growth and increase. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
6. Commitment in Your Giving to God and the Work of God in the Church:
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” – Luke 6:38
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”– 1 Corinthians 16:2
7. Commitment to Evangelism (Soul Winning):
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” – Matthew 28:19
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” – 1 Corinthians 9:16
“And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23
Conclusion:
In conclusion, commitment for increase is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. It involves a willingness to seek God, pray, study His Word, fellowship with other believers, and obey His commandments. Let us make a commitment to pursue spiritual growth and increase, that we may experience the abundant life that God promises.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
If you have not made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, I encourage you to do so today. He promises to give you rest, peace, and abundant life.