Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
I. Introduction: We all love the freedoms enumerated and protected by our Constitution and should be grateful for the liberties we have. However, along with our wonderful rights come important responsibilities. As believers, we are accountable to God not only for the course of this country, but for the path we take in our lives. Therefore, we must live in a manner that not only glorifies the Father and edifies others but also preserves and protects the sacred values we hold dear.
II. Our liberty in Christ does not give us the right to indulge in sin.
A. Parents should talk daily to their children about the things of the Lord (Deut. 6:7).
B. Though our sins have been forgiven, we will still face consequences for the choices we make (Matt. 25:14-30). This can be seen vividly through Jesus' parable of the talents. The Lord gives us gifts, skills, resources, and talents, and we are responsible to use them in ways that honor Him. If we fail to do so, we forfeit our rewards in heaven.
B. Though our sins have been forgiven, we will still face consequences for the choices we make (Matt. 25:14-30). This can be seen vividly through Jesus' parable of the talents. The Lord gives us gifts, skills, resources, and talents, and we are responsible to use them in ways that honor Him. If we fail to do so, we forfeit our rewards in heaven.
III. What is accountability?
Accountability means we are answerable to others, and we should accept this responsibility as a gift from God. Not only does it provide a system of checks and balances that protect us from harm, but it also gives us unique opportunities to share our lives with others and encourage them.
IV. What biblical examples do we have concerning accountability?
A. Adam and Eve—Genesis 3:8-19
B. Samuel and Saul—1 Samuel 13:8-14
C. Nathan and David—2 Samuel 12:1-14
D. Jesus and Peter—Matthew 16:21-23
B. Samuel and Saul—1 Samuel 13:8-14
C. Nathan and David—2 Samuel 12:1-14
D. Jesus and Peter—Matthew 16:21-23
V. Why is accountability important for our lives?
A. Knowing that someone will ask about our conduct motivates us to do our best and encourages us to be good stewards of our time, talents, and resources.
B. When we're answerable to others, we are positioned for promotion. As those in authority review our work, they realize our potential.
C. Accountability inspires and protects us and those we're closest to, which makes our relationships even stronger.
D. We must regularly face the truth about our attitudes and actions, and examine whether we are staying in the center of God's will.
E. Being responsible to the Lord and others challenges us to maintain high standards, godly convictions, a transparent heart, and a trustworthy character.
B. When we're answerable to others, we are positioned for promotion. As those in authority review our work, they realize our potential.
C. Accountability inspires and protects us and those we're closest to, which makes our relationships even stronger.
D. We must regularly face the truth about our attitudes and actions, and examine whether we are staying in the center of God's will.
E. Being responsible to the Lord and others challenges us to maintain high standards, godly convictions, a transparent heart, and a trustworthy character.
VI. Why do people resist accountability?
A. Rebelliousness
B. Slothfulness
C. Fear of loss
D. Untrustworthiness
E. Pride
B. Slothfulness
C. Fear of loss
D. Untrustworthiness
E. Pride
VII. What happens without accountability?
A. We cannot do our best.
B. Our resources may be wasted.
C. Spiritual growth will be hampered.
D. There will be divisions in our most important relationships.
E. We will miss opportunities, privileges, promotions, and rewards.
F. Others may feel free to take advantage of us.
B. Our resources may be wasted.
C. Spiritual growth will be hampered.
D. There will be divisions in our most important relationships.
E. We will miss opportunities, privileges, promotions, and rewards.
F. Others may feel free to take advantage of us.
VIII. Conclusion: Accountability is absolutely necessary in every aspect of our life, starting with relationships in our family and among fellow believers. However, we must also hold others in society responsible for what they do, whether they are in the church, the schools, or the government. These are serious days for our nation and world, and as believers, we are charged with defending the faith and proclaiming the gospel of salvation—the only true path to freedom from sin and death. We know the truth, so we cannot keep silent about it. Rather, we're accountable to declare the truth as passionately, effectively, and fearlessly as we can.
