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EACH STEP I TAKE
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way..
INTRODUCTION: Every step we take is a witness to those around us whether it be good or bad. The Bible says so much about how our life is viewed by others. Each step we take is;
I. A STEP WITNESSED BY OTHERS, Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
A. It will show them our true convictions, John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
B. It could make them doubt our conversion, Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
C. It could make them look with disgust on all Christians, 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
D. It could make them fail to trust Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
II. A STEP WATCHED BY GOD, Psalms 139:7-8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
A. He watches constantly, Psalms 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; Pro. !5:3
B. He watches condemningly
C. He watches compassionately, Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
III. A STEP WAITING JUDGMENT, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
A. After we run the race, Heb. 12:1
B. After we fill our date with death, Heb. 9:27
C. After we stand before the Saviour, Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
IV. A STEP WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION, Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
A. Because each step brings fruit
B. Because our steps are few, James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away .Prov. 27:1
C. Because they can not be retraced in the future
D. Because we may regret it forever
CONCLUSION: We must be careful of every step we take. Someone is watching.