Accepting responsibility is crucial for personal and communal well-being. We are each accountable for our actions, as seen in David's confession in Psalm 51 and Ezekiel 18's emphasis on individual judgment for personal conduct. Blaming others or circumstances does not excuse us; we must own our choices despite external influences. Failing to meet God-given duties leads to chaos and suffering, affecting the entire Body of Christ. Overcoming barriers like ignorance or laziness requires discipline and repentance. True freedom comes from embracing responsibility, recognizing that God judges us individually and expects us to fulfill our obligations to Him, others, and creation, striving with all our might to meet His purpose.

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Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The pressures and tribulations we face, as described in various scriptures, stem from a fundamental failure to meet God-given responsibilities. This irresponsibility, evident across generations, has led to mounting stress and distress in our lives and society. The failure to uphold these duties results in consequences that affect not just individuals but entire communities, as seen in the economic and social challenges we encounter. God holds each person accountable for their own conduct. Regardless of external influences or past generations' actions, we are judged on our personal choices and behaviors. Blaming others or circumstances—whether it be parents, environment, or societal issues—does not absolve us of our duty to act rightly. We must rise above these influences and take ownership of our actions, recognizing that claiming victimhood only perpetuates irresponsibility. David's example in Psalm 51 illustrates true acceptance of responsibility. He acknowledges his guilt without shifting blame to others or external factors, accepting the consequences of his actions and affirming God's right to judge him. This stands in stark contrast to the common tendency to evade accountability by pointing to external causes for personal failings. Ezekiel 18 reinforces this principle, emphasizing that each individual bears the weight of their own sins. God judges us based on our personal conduct, not on the actions of our forebears. Even if we suffer due to others' irresponsibility, we are called to govern ourselves and make choices that align with our responsibilities. The passage clarifies that righteousness or unrighteousness is not inherited; it is a personal decision, and repentance can lead to life, while turning away from righteousness brings consequences. Several reasons prevent us from meeting our responsibilities: ignorance of what they entail, a wrong mindset that resists servitude to God, laziness or fear of discomfort, unwillingness to accept blame, and a lack of vision or faith to motivate us. Overcoming these barriers requires self-discipline, truth, repentance, and a commitment to work at fulfilling our duties, even when it is challenging. Ultimately, freedom and responsibility are inseparable. To secure the liberty we are called to, we must each accept and exercise our individual responsibilities. This personal accountability is essential for both our personal judgment before God and the collective well-being of society.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Human nature often drives individuals to exceed the boundaries of authority granted by God, leading to chaos in personal and societal spheres. Just as Adam and Eve overstepped their limits in the Garden of Eden, people today refuse to live within their designated roles, causing marital conflicts, economic instability, and environmental damage. This unwillingness to accept responsibility results in bondage to various problems, as the earth itself suffers from human excesses and may eventually reject humanity. Once called by God, our primary responsibility becomes studying His Word to understand the parameters of our authority and our attitudes toward family, civil, and church authority. This study is not merely for knowledge but for discerning our responsibilities to God, fellow man, and the environment. Responding to these truths liberates us from self-imposed bondage. Human nature, however, pushes individuals to avoid responsibility through denial, shifting blame to parents, culture, or circumstances. This denial, evident even in children who quickly blame others during conflicts, prevents true accountability. Even if external factors contribute to one's condition, using them as excuses only perpetuates destructive behavior. True responsibility requires acknowledging personal choices without rationalization. Christianity is challenging because of inherent character disorders and the constant pressure of human nature to deny responsibility. This struggle persists throughout life as circumstances change, requiring continuous assessment of where our responsibilities lie. There are few straightforward answers; understanding the nuances of God's principles demands ongoing study and wise decision-making to fulfill our duties. Jesus Christ exemplifies meticulous care in responsibility, as seen when He neatly folded the burial cloths after His resurrection, demonstrating an orderly and precise approach to even small tasks. This reflects a character inclined toward perfection, not through intolerance, but through careful attention to duties, whether spiritual or mundane. Responsibility, though not explicitly mentioned in certain translations of Scripture, permeates the entirety of God's Word. It involves being answerable for duties and obligations, whether externally imposed or internally undertaken. A responsible person is faithful in carrying out what they are accountable for, recognizing that God has granted authority to act, especially to His people, in His name. We must acknowledge our sins and take full responsibility for our actions, as David did, without blaming others. Real conversion begins with this honest acceptance of accountability. God sets before everyone the choice between life and death, commanding love for Him and obedience to His statutes. This responsibility applies to all, with greater expectations for those who have received more teaching and experience in His ways. Jesus Christ teaches that fulfilling God's commands is our duty, not something that puts God in our debt. Even perfect obedience is simply meeting our obligation. A servant's mindset accepts that work and setbacks are part of life, avoiding self-pity and recognizing that our lives belong to God. As bond slaves bought with Christ's price, we must perform what our Master desires, carrying out our responsibilities despite life's challenges. God's command to keep His laws is not unfair, as He is not obligated to us for our performance. Our position in His church and the responsibilities it entails are due to His mercy and compassion. Resisting these duties is futile; yielding to God's will is the only path, as opposing Him only brings hardship. If we neglect spiritual growth or prioritize material interests, we risk losing out on His purpose for us. Our responsibility includes not sinning, as Jesus instructed the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more, expecting her to meet this duty with spiritual resources. Sin is an individual's responsibility

Living Up to Our Responsibilities

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

God has entrusted each of us with specific responsibilities to fulfill His purpose as we prepare for the next step in His plan to develop His Family for eternity. When we fail to accept and act on these responsibilities, we create a void that affects the entire Body of Christ, causing pain and suffering that could be avoided. If we neglect our individual duties, we let down not only ourselves but also our Father in heaven, hindering the spiritual and physical well-being of the church. God has provided us with the ability and opportunity to carry out our tasks, and failure is solely due to our unwillingness to do our part. He expects us to strive with all our might to meet the mark, recognizing that to whom much is given, much is required. Our responsibility extends to one another, as we are our brother's keepers, accountable for each other's well-being within the united Body of Christ. When we hold onto the accursed things of this world and fail to pursue holiness as He is holy, we contribute to the weakness, sickness, and suffering among us. God loves us deeply and has given everything, including the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, to ensure our success, expecting us to show the same sacrificial commitment to Him and to each other. Now is the time to confess our faults, recommit to our duties, and destroy the accursed things in our lives, so that we may become holy and the body may be healed as He has promised.

Blame Games

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The tendency to point fingers at others is hard-wired into human nature. Mistakes are the portals of discovery if we admit them and learn from them.

Liberalism and the English Riots

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Liberal judges tend to place the blame on genetics, environment, or society, but never on the one who commits the crime.

The Buck Stops Here

Article by David F. Maas

Many people shirk responsibility for their errors, 'passing the buck.' Avoiding blame when we are at fault shows poor character, a failing we must overcome.

Sowing and Reaping

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

A basic agricultural principle, what is sown will be reaped, also applies to human behavior. Sin brings death, while following God's Word produces life.

Decide Now How You Will Respond!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

While temptation is universal, it is not irresistible; no one is forced to yield. Every temptation provides a choice between life or death, blessing or curse.

Success in This World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must invest in our own self-improvement and preparation, continually striving against stagnation and deterioration, and the powerful pulls of the world.

Sin (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Thoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.

The Heart's Self-Absorption

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

II Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.

Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.

Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.

God's Calling and Election

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have been given something far more valuable than the lottery, namely our calling. We are obligated not to squander this valuable opportunity.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.

Prayer Does Make a Difference

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God does not hear a prayer of pride, selfishness, and self exaltation, but He listens to prayers of supplication and intercession for the saints.

The Mystery of Goodness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.