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Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWeariness emerges as one of the most subtle forms of spiritual depression afflicting God's people, distinct from the danger of false doctrine. While the introduction of heresy remains a continual threat, the real peril for church members is growing tired while still walking in the right direction—weariness in well-doing rather than weariness of the work itself. Paul addresses this problem in Galatians 6, using the metaphor of sowing and reaping: those who sow to the flesh reap corruption, while those who sow to the Spirit reap everlasting life. Active Christian service, though good, is tiring and testing, and many are tempted to slack off or give up. Paul's exhortation, "let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart," addresses this directly. This weariness often surfaces during the "middle period" of both natural and spiritual life, when the initial thrill of discovery fades and routine sets in, leaving a sense of stagnation. Three negative responses must be avoided: listening to inner suggestions to give up, resigning oneself hopelessly to the weariness while merely going through the motions, and turning to artificial stimulants—whether alcohol, drugs, or manufactured excitement—to compensate for lost enthusiasm, a pattern that only deepens exhaustion. The positive remedy begins with honest self-examination: asking why one is weary, whether from overwork, lack of prayer, relying on human strength rather than the Spirit, or impure motives such as seeking self-glory rather than God's glory. Recognizing that spiritual life unfolds in phases—like physical growth from childhood to adulthood—helps explain why early emotional intensity naturally changes without signaling spiritual failure. Ultimately, weariness is countered by remembering that God's way of life is itself "well-doing," a life worthy of the name, not a dreary chore. This present life is preparatory, a foretaste of the coming Kingdom, and vision of that future harvest energizes present endurance. Christ Himself, though He may have grown physically weary, never grew weary in well-doing; He endured the cross "for the joy that was set before Him," offering the pattern for overcoming discouragement. Believers are called to fix their eyes on Him, trust that labor "is not in vain in the Lord," and press forward until they hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Lest We Forget (2011)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Weariness emerges as a deliberate strategy within the broader pattern of forgetfulness that afflicts God's people, both ancient Israel and modern believers who share the same nature. The connection begins with the observation that Israelites historically forgot God's power and mercies despite witnessing daily miracles, and this proclivity toward ingratitude and forgetfulness continues in the descendants of Israel today. Weariness functions as a primary mechanism that deepens this forgetfulness, because tired people are weak people, and tiredness intensifies self-concern. This principle is illustrated by the fact that those who torture captives to extract information often use sleep deprivation as their most effective tool, since exhaustion breaks down resistance and focus. The world system, described as designed with Satan's influence permitted by God, operates in a way that constantly intensifies efforts to produce weariness among believers. Daniel 12:4 prophesies an end-time atmosphere of intense activity, people running to and fro, while Daniel 7:25 specifically states that end-time activities of the beast power are intended to wear out the saints. This wearing-out process works alongside distraction to rob believers of the time and energy needed to think about God and the spiritual goal He has placed in their lives. The excessive busyness of modern life, filled with warfare, natural disasters, corruption, economic hardship, and immorality, creates fertile ground for exactly this kind of exhaustion and loss of focus. Despite this bleak assessment, the framework offered is not one of despair but of purposeful endurance. These difficult days are proceeding exactly as God wants them to proceed, and believers must choose to bear with them, overcoming through faith with God's help. This is where 1 Thessalonians 5 becomes central to the response required. Paul calls believers to remember the times and seasons, warns against spiritual sleep, which is what tired people naturally do, and instead commands rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances, since this is God's will in Christ Jesus. Even the pressures causing weariness fall within the "everything" for which thanks must be given, because God has determined that these very pressures serve His children's development. Thankfulness thus becomes the antidote to the self-focused weakness that weariness produces. Since the word "thank" derives from "think," true gratitude requires mental effort and focus outward toward God rather than inward toward one's own exhaustion. A prayer lacking thanksgiving reveals self-centeredness rather than concern for God's glory and purposes. Maintaining thankfulness even in depressing, wearying circumstances serves as evidence that one's focus remains rightly fixed on seeking God's kingdom first. Ultimately, since God remains sovereign over all circumstances, including those producing weariness, and would change matters if they did not suit His purposes, believers are called to trust that present difficulties, however exhausting, are permitted precisely because they serve God's purposes in this moment.
Beating the Rat Race (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPeace is almost impossible to achieve, much less to find, in hectic times. We must come out of that confused, pulsating lifestyle before we can have real peace.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Persevering to the End
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughNoah is an outstanding example of persevering through a dreadful experience. Not only did he persevere through the Flood, but also through 120 years of preparations.
Manna and the Preparation Day (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Preparation Day is a day of 'gathering' what relates to eternity so that we can properly ingest the spiritual manna on the holy day without distraction.
Indistractable
Commentary by Bill OnisickSocial media, text messages, e-mails, websites and blogs are competing for our time, eroding our attention spans and exhausting our ability to concentrate.
Make Sure of Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDistractions produce a movement toward randomness and confusion, seriously endangering one's calling. We must sharpen our focus on God and His purpose.
Hebrews (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of spiritual insight, Hebrews is a pivotal book, whose function is to bridge the purposes and themes of the Old and New Testaments.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.
Keeping Love Alive (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks demonstrate our faith, our response to God's calling and His freely given grace. Reciprocity is always a part of our relationship with God.
Avoiding Spiritual Burnout
Sermon by John O. ReidThe inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.
The Revelation 2:4 - You Have Left Your First Love
Sermonette by James C. StoertzAs we examine ourselves in preparation for the Passover, we must consider the danger of weariness in our spiritual journey. The church at Ephesus, despite their exemplary works and tireless labor for Christ's name, faced a grave warning for abandoning their first love. Over time, enthusiasm can wane, much like the children of Israel grew impatient while Moses received the law, leading to idolatry. Weariness, through the passing of time, can cause us to drift away from our most important love for God. We must guard against this subtle erosion of zeal and remain focused on loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
How to Combat Future Shock
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlvin Toffler described a phenomenon known as Future Shock, a stressful malady caused by an inability to adjust to rapid change and over-stimulation.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2004)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that we are going to be immune from tough times and persecution, but we need to ask God for the strength to endure what He gives us to endure.
Dealing With Change
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God deliberately places change in our lives to bring about spiritual growth toward perfection.
God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is not only powerful, but He is the source of all power. We can tap into God's power to avoid slipping into apostasy.
The Great Retreat
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhen we withdraw from fellowship, we deprive ourselves of the blessing of sharpening one another. God demands active and practical engagement with His people.
Burnout
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur calling could lead to the greatest source of stress since we cannot take a break from developing godly character.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Thirteen): Hebrews 2 and the Next Five Years
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must keep God's Word fresh in our minds through diligent study and practice of His way of life to keep from drifting spiritually during perilous times.
We Must Believe!
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are asked to believe in a Being nobody has directly seen or heard, whose written word has been vilified and scorned. Without faith, we can't please God.
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
Another View of Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleWithout the right relationship with God, we cannot have the evidence of things not seen. But with it, we can focus on what cannot be seen by most of mankind.
Abraham (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham was willing to lay down his life to rescue his nephew Lot. His sacrifice shows us what kind of effort and sacrifice is needed to wage spiritual war.