Sermon on Church Attendance – Ability as it Relates to Our Attendance
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesIntroduction: Read Acts 11:29 (Begin sermon on church attendance.)
1. When preaching on attendance in worship I stress the obligation we have to gather when the congregation is called.
1) to worship
2) to edify
2. The question inevitably comes “What about my situation. Am I going to be lost because I’m not there every time?”
3. It should be noted that when I stress attendance I generally address those who are absent for recreational reasons or because they feel no responsibility to be in attendance. I fully recognize that there are situations that cause members to be absent that are out of their control.
4. There is a Bible principle we need to make note of this hour. As stated in Acts 11:29, “Every man according to his ability.”
Discussion:
I. We are required to attend according to our ability. 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Peter 4:9-11
1. Among 1st century Gentiles most Christians were slaves. They would gather on Sunday evening after their work was done. Not able on Sunday morning.
2. According to ability means according to whether you reasonably can or can’t.
3. One is not excused when one chooses recreation or personal comfort over worship.
4. One is not excused when ones life could reasonably be re-arranged to accommodate. Luke 14:16-27.
II. “According to our ability” implies a standard that a reasonable person would agree with.
1. Suppose you had a gunshot wound that needed immediate medical attention. It might be “possible” for you to be in a stretcher in worship but reasonable people would agree that medical attention would be immediately necessary.
2. It would not be reasonable to ask a police officer to leave an emergency or neglect his duty to make it to worship.
3. 2 Corinthians 8:2-4. Paul teaches that the Macedonians gave beyond what was reasonable. He implies a reasonable level of giving.
4. This principle extends to many circumstances.
1) endurance (possible to attend but adverse health consequences)
2) illness
3) Working to provide for family. (Note: In many cases it is not reasonable to suggest that someone get another job so they can be in every service. For instance: Law enforcement, military, medical care. They may not have marketable skills in another area. Another job may not pay the bills. Family must be provided for.)
4) Lack of transportation.
5) Emergencies.
6) Safety.
7) This principle does not apply to video games, football, or recreational hunting.
III. You can rest assured:
1. God does not require more than what you are reasonably able. 1 Peter 4:9-11; 2 Corinthians 8:12-14.
2. The Bible implies a reasonable level of ability though it also authorizes going beyond reasonable ability.
3. Your preacher is not second guessing you and your reasons for absence. However,
4. Your preacher especially admires those who go beyond reasonable ability.
Conclusion: [End sermon on church attendance.]
1. If you wonder whether God accepts your current level of attendance please study these matters until your mind is settled.
2. If you find that your reasons for absence don’t measure up, ask God for forgiveness and resolve to be in attendance according to your ability.