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Are We Apathetic?. Haggai 1:1-11. Survey Results. Problems facing the Lord’s church Apathy/indifference Divorce/remarriage Liberalism/modernism Church as a social club Lack of evangelism Legalism. Definitions. Webster Lack of emotion Lack of interest; listless condition; indifference
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Are We Apathetic? Haggai 1:1-11
Survey Results • Problems facing the Lord’s church • Apathy/indifference • Divorce/remarriage • Liberalism/modernism • Church as a social club • Lack of evangelism • Legalism
Definitions • Webster • Lack of emotion • Lack of interest; listless condition; indifference • Synonyms: impassiveness, lethargy, unconcern
Decision Time • Are we guilty? • Not an open sin like murder, lying, etc. • Gradually pulls one away from God • Questions to ask • How does it manifest itself? • What causes it? • What is the cure?
Manifestations of Apathy • Loss of zeal • Early Christians (Acts 2:42-46) • Not lessened by persecution (Acts 8:4) • Devil’s attack (Revelation 2:4, 5)
Manifestations of Apathy • Loss of interest in spiritual things • Studying not important (Acts 10:33) • Prayer diminished (Acts 4:23-31) • Less conversation about spiritual things (Jeremiah 20:9)
Manifestations of Apathy • Consumed by material things • Entangle us (Haggai 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:4) • Be like Abraham (Hebrews 11:9-16)
Manifestations of Apathy • Hardened heart • No longer touched by the Gospel (Matthew 13:15) • Rush to services • Watch the clock • Get out quickly
Causes of Apathy • Affluence • Easy to forget God (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Proverbs 30:8, 9; Amos 6:1-6) • Trust in riches (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Timothy 6:17) • Unwise use of time (James 4;17)
Causes of Apathy • Second or third generation Christian • Value of Truth not as great (1Timothy 1:12-14) • Becomes a tradition
Causes of Apathy • Judgment is forgotten • “put out of our minds” (Psalm 10:11; 36:1; 73;11) • Willfully forgotten (Acts 24:25; 2 Peter 3:3-14) • “If we knew He would return tomorrow…”
Causes of Apathy • Desire to live like the world • Warnings (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17) • Examples (2 Timothy 4:10; Hebrews 12:15-17)
Cure • Repent • Apathy is a sin • Ephesians (Revelation 2:4, 5)