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Who Cares? Introduction: Who cares? This is a common phrase uttered on various occasions, a reply to sometimes show that we do not care, or out of frustration, or when we think is of such minor importance that we do not really care. At times it may be said hoping that someone does care. I) Times WE May Say "Who Cares!" A) When we are discouraged 1. When we are trying to teach the gospel, show concern for the soul of our fellow man and it seems as if no one has the time to study with us. 2. Injustice and persecution can cause us to ask if anyone cares. It is amazing to read of crimes and the lack of punishment for those crimes. We may wonder where is the out rage? 3. You may wonder who really cares about me and my soul? 4. David asked this question is Psalm 142.4 B) When we are trying to justify sin 1. Everybody else is doing it and no one really cares. I heard this couple of years ago when the courts were ruling in favor of homosexual marriages. Religious people were upset and some ask why should we care? 2. God said no one cared in Israel, Jeremiah 12.11 II) There Are Some Who Do Not Care A) The unrighteous do not care, John 10.13 1. People consumed with a sinful lifestyle are not going to care about your soul or what is right. 2. Romans 1 described some of those that lacked natural affection; they were so into their sins that they did not even care for their own children. Ex. Recent news story of a woman that sold her own daughter to a pedophile, she did not care. B) The selfish do not care 1. Selfish parents do not discipline their children and/or let their children do whatever they want. No limits, no curfew, no expectations, no requirements, no love. 2. Selfish people do not feel any obligation to their fellowman. Remember the true story of a lady beaten to death in an apartment complex while her neighbors heard the sounds but closed their window shades. C) The hypocrite does not care, Matthew 23.27-28 1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows what being a neighbor means, Luke 10.30-32 2. Those who say one thing but do another, do not care. D) Satan does not care 1. He desires your soul but not for your benefit, 1 Peter 5.8. 2. He does not care if you are a total reprobate or just a "little lost." You can worship God just as long as you don’t do what God says. Live like the devil on Saturday night and praise God Sunday morning. III) Those Who Do Care A) The righteous care, Galatians 6.1ff 1. Spiritually minded people understand the value of each soul. They want to see everyone go to heaven and are disturbed when they see someone walking in sin. 2. Spiritually minded people want to help each other both physically and spiritually, James 1.27 B) Those who love their fellow man, Luke 10.33-37 1. Compassion is a costly quality, it is time consuming, and it is not usually convenient. Most emergencies occur at what seems like the worse of times. 2. Parents that love their children will bring them up in the ways of God, Ephesians. 6.4. a. Hard to get children ready for services Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. b. Hard to deal with little children and try to listen to a long winded preacher. c. Parents do so because they care about God and their children. C) Those who truly love God, Matthew 22.37-40 1. To love God we must care about sin and our fellowman, 1 John 4.20-21 2. One challenge we face is to not get burned out and quit caring. D) GOD CARES! 1. God cares about your trials and temptations, Matthew 6.26-30 2. He is able to give you strength and comfort, 1 Peter 5.6-7 3. God cares if you are listening to His Son and how you are living, Matthew 17.5 4. God cares about your sorrows and triumphs. Conclusion: More people care about you than you will ever realize! Do you care about God and those around you? The greatest way to care is by obeying God and living as a Christian. D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 12.24.06 |