By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  In Acts 26:24-29, King Agrippa was confronted by Paul to make his life right with God.  Paul knew the King believed.  Yet, Agrippa responds, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

          Why wasn’t Agrippa persuaded?  Who in there right mind wouldn’t want a chance of a home in heaven?  I believe Agrippa, like many people today, didn’t respond to the invitation because salvation wasn’t on his terms.  He believed, but he didn’t want to respond!  So I ask, by whose terms do we come to God?  By our own terms or by God’s terms?

I.  Renting Sin. 

          A.  We live in an age in which people, in or out of the church, think they can rent sin.  What I mean is they live in sin expecting to obey God at some point later in life.

          B.  Examples: 

                   1.  A couple who is living in an adulterous marriage deciding not to come to Christ if it means ending their marriage.

                   2.  The young unmarried couple who live together and wait to be obedient to God until after they get married.  

                   3.  The individual that likes life so much that he plans on obeying Christ late in life.

                   4.  Felix, when he said in essence, “Later” (Acts 24:25).

          C.  We cannot rent sin!

                   1.  Rom. 6:1, Sin that grace may abound.  Grace is an unmerited favor;  an undeserved gift.  Do we think Christ is going to give us that gift if we continue in sin when we don’t deserve it in the first place? 

                   2.  The Rich Fool lived life on his terms (Luke 12:16-21).  His life ended unexpectedly.  What makes us think we have any assurance of tomorrow?  What makes us think we can put our obedience off until a later date?                  

II.  Christ is looking for those who are willing to follow him.

          A.  Luke 9:59-62.  Christ rejected those who desired to set their own terms or conditions.  Notice such people are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. 

          B.  Luke 14:15-24.  We often seek to be excused from living life on God’s terms as these did from the Great Supper.  What is the end result for those who didn’t accept the Lord’s invitation on His terms? 

          C.  Matt. 16:21-27.  Are our terms so important that we would exchange them for a chance at a home in Heaven?  If we live life our way, on our terms, we will lose our home in Heaven.

          D.  If we set our own terms, we will be disappointed (Matt. 7:21-23). 

III.  Salvation comes through Christ (John 3:16-17; Rom. 5:8-11; 1 John 4:9).  It is the Lords way or no way!

IV.  We can’t serve two masters.

          A.  We must decide if we are going to live for Christ or self (Matt. 6:24). 

          B.  Love Him, obey Him (1 John 5:2-3).  His requirements aren’t burdensome. 

          C.  We must be obedient (1 Pet. 1:13-15).  Not by living by our lusts.  Peter calls living in this fashion by our terms: ignorance.  Ignorance because we haven’t yet fully grasped the importance of serving God on His terms.

Conclusion:  Naaman left us the perfect example (2 Kings 5:1-14).  He wanted to be cleansed of his leprosy.  Yet, he wanted to do it on his own terms.  Do you think his leprosy would have left him if he didn’t do as he was instructed by God through Elisha?  Do you think you will receive forgiveness of your sins if you don’t conform to God’s instructions right now?  We must come to God on His terms! 

Last modified: 05/02/08