Preparation

by Steve Hale

"Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble" ( 2 Peter 1:11, ASV).
What is diligence? As used by brother Peter, it is the strenuous effort of preparation. We commonly used the cliche: "heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people." Is this true?
To an unprepared and obstinate people, Amos cried out: "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" ( Amos 4:12). Israel worshipped only by rituals and sacrifices. Their dedication was not from the heart, and was unacceptable to the holy God!
Former Oklahoma coach Bud Wilkinson has well said: "Victory does not come ftom the will to win, but the will to prepare." What have we done to prepare ourselves to serve God well? What sort of pains have we gone through to be well-prepared for soul-winning, shepherding, counseling, etc.?
Charles Hodge has insightfully written: "All of us are accountable to God. All of us must prepare to meet God. Our preparation is our own. Parents cannot prepare for their children. Preachers cannot prepare for congregations. Congregations cannot prepare for weak, worldly members."
Preparation takes as much perspiration as inspiration. Prayer, humility, and flexibility are all absolutely necessary if we are to be prepared for the Master's use in the Kingdom. Are you prepared?
Great pianist, scientists, diplomats, doctors, and leaders have common bond: preparation! Years of study, practice, and sacrifice! What have you done to be prepared?

November 29, 1998

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Preparation by Steve Hale "Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble" ( 2 Peter 1:11, ASV). What is diligence? As used by brother Peter, it is the strenuous effort of preparation. We commonly used the cliche: "heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people." Is this true? To an unprepared and obstinate people, Amos cried out: "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" ( Amos 4:12). Israel worshipped only by rituals and sacrifices. Their dedication was not from the heart, and was unacceptable to the holy God! Former Oklahoma coach Bud Wilkinson has well said: "Victory does not come ftom the will to win, but the will to prepare." What have we done to prepare ourselves to serve God well? What sort of pains have we gone through to be well-prepared for soul-winning, shepherding, counseling, etc.? Charles Hodge has insightfully written: "All of us are accountable to God. All of us must prepare to meet God. Our preparation is our own. Parents cannot prepare for their children. Preachers cannot prepare for congregations. Congregations cannot prepare for weak, worldly members." Preparation takes as much perspiration as inspiration. Prayer, humility, and flexibility are all absolutely necessary if we are to be prepared for the Master's use in the Kingdom. Are you prepared? Great pianist, scientists, diplomats, doctors, and leaders have common bond: preparation! Years of study, practice, and sacrifice! What have you done to be prepared? November 29, 1998 Related Articles: Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM