The Blame Game

1. The Blame Game You Are Responsible For Your Life Romans 14:12

2. Introduction “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God”. (Romans 14:12 ESV) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (KJV) So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (NJKV)

3. Illustrations A mother stood before the judge with tears in her eyes, and said, “Your Honor, Harold is not responsible for all those horrible things they said he did. Those bums he has been running around with are to blame.” . An angry mother shouted at the high school teacher, “You’re the reason why Mary isn’t passing in school.” A young boy tells his mother, after she scolds him for coming home late, “Well, the others wouldn’t let me leave until the game was over.” A man fresh from divorce court spends his time telling anyone who will listen how his wife is responsible for the fact that he ran around with other women.

4. A church member has stopped attending worship services. Upon being visited, she says, "The members of the congregation are snobs. They drove me away with their lack of friendliness." • A middle-age man curses his boss because he isn't given a raise . His favorite line is, "The boss just doesn’t like me.” • An overweight husband justifies his problem by saying, “If my wife wouldn't insist that I have a second and third helping I wouldn't have this weight problem. I don 't want to offend her.”... • What do these seven illustrations have in common? • They all illustrate the blame game humans so frequently and easily play.

5. THE BIBLE AND RESPONSIBILITY The first Bible account of the blame game is the case of Adam and Eve. the law of Moses which tied blessings and cursings to man’s obedience Ezekiel, the prophet of God, stated man’s responsibility for his mown actions in these words Jesus makes it very clear that each person will be judged by their response to His word The final judgment is a major key in knowing that God holds the individual responsible for his life:

6. Why The Blame Game? It is what you have been exposed to all of your life. Man has habit of doing what he sees others do. It is the result of fear. Some may not like the consequences of accepting responsibility. It is a weakness of the flesh. This results from a lack of spiritual growth – Gal. 5:19-21 It may be an attempt to escape guilt. Ignorance of God’s plan for man is another major cause. It seems to be the easy way out. This appeals to the lazy person. A lack of love for self and others may produce a shifting responsibility Immaturity causes a person to blame others for their actions.

7. I am Responsible…. For what I think – Prov. 23:7 cf. Phil. 4:7-9 For what I say – James 1:19 For what I do – James 1:19-23 For being happy.

8. Basis for His Judgment of You • Believe in Him Mark 16:16 • Repent (Decide) Luke 13:3 • Confess Christ Rom. 10:9 • Baptized into Christ Acts 22:16 • Added to His Kingdom, His Church

9. Basis for His Judgment of You • Believe in Him Mark 16:16 • Repent (Decide) Luke 13:3 • Confess Christ Rom. 10:9 • Baptized into Christ Acts 22:16 • Added to His Kingdom, His Church • Live Faithfully until death Rev. 2:10