COMPLACENCY IN THE CHURCH

Sermon Notes From Sunday

I. THE CHARGE IS COMPLACENCY.

Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;

Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

There is a description of complacency here.

(1). Their homes, furnishings, and clothes were the best.

(2). They ate the best of food, and as much as they desired.

(3).Their attention was primarily on things of entertainment and pleasure.

(4). They drank intoxicants by the bowl full.

This sounds like a description of America today; much of it could also be applied to the church.

(1) We must have the best in the way of homes and furniture, & clothes

(2) We eat the best of food, and to much of it.

(3) Our attention is primarily on entertainment and pleasure.

(4) There is much drunkenness and drug addition in our nation today,

II. THE CAUSE OF COMPLACENCY.

1. The people of Israel had enjoyed a time of great prosperity; they could have one of two reactions:

(1). They could react as most were doing; showing pride and boastfulness. They were living extravagantly, and took all the credit for their prosperity themselves.

(2). They could have reacted in humility, realizing that the blessings of God were the source of what they were enjoying.

The causes of complacency in the church are very well described here. We have been raised and live in the most affluent nation in the world. We are accustomed to a lifestyle that would be viewed as extravagant by most of the rest of the world.

1. We trust much in our military might, many in our country seem to have no serious thoughts about anything, least of all their relationship to God.

2. We pursue riches and things as if they will last forever. Most in our country, and in our churches, are not at all grieved over the sins of our nation or churches, or the ever-worsening condition of both.

3. Even in the church, we trust most in our wealth, our buildings, the strength of our denomination and our ability, rather than trusting God.

4. Many of us seldom stop to think about our relationship to God, and what He requires of us.
And we are not grieved for the lost!

III. THE CURSE OF COMPLACENCY
 Complacency robs the church and God’s people of many energetic and consecrated servants.

Complacency robs us of our joy here, and of our rewards after this life.

Complacency on our part may prevent many people from knowing Christ and having the hope of eternal life. Why? Because we are not grieved about the rejection of Christ in our world.

IV. THE CURE FOR COMPLACENCY.

1. The first step is to understand the LOVE and MERCY of God.

•  He loved us enough to send Christ to die for us.
•  He delights to show mercy to the repentant.
• His love and mercy are eternal.

2. We must then contemplate the issues and values of eternity.

• We must realize that the soul lives forever.
• We must think about where we will spend eternity.
• We must begin to live for eternity rather than for now.
• We must then act, not just think; it is necessary to accept Christ, and dedicate our lives to Him.

3. We must hear and obey the commands of our Master.

• We must seek His will, His command for each of us.
• We must learn to recognize Him when He talks to and with us.
• We must then obey His directions.