Key Factors for Vision to Succeed

1. Read: Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

2. About the Text:

1) “Vision” in Solomon’s day meant a word from the Lord.

2) 1 Samuel 3:1 illustrates this point: “And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.”

3) There was, however, a reason the word “vision” was used.

4) God’s inspired prophets had sight that uninspired folks did not have.

5) This gave them the ability to see things differently.

6) Sometimes they saw the past; sometimes the present; sometimes the future.

7) This ability to see things from God’s perspective was their vision.

3. Vision today.

1) We do not have inspired men today, but with God’s help and God’s word, we can have vision.

2) Vision is the ability to see things that others do not.

3) Vision is being able to look into the future and paint a vivid picture of what life CAN be like.

4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Core values are things upon which everyone agrees.

1) If we cannot agree upon core values, our vision will not succeed.

2) Instead, we will constantly be fighting with each other for dominance.

3) Galatians 5:15 “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

2. Unity is one of our core values.

1) We must be committed to having unity.

2) “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor.1:10).

3) That upon which we must be united is found in Ephesians 4:4-6 “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

4) Unity is an effort; it does not come easy, and we must give diligence to it.

3. Another one of our core values is evangelism, and we use different ways of talking about this.

1) We talk about the lost: Jesus said of himself, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

2) We talk about making disciples/followers: We have the great commission: Matthew 28:18-20.

3) We talk about birth into God’s family/kingdom: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

4. These core values depend upon the core value that the Bible is God’s word.

1) 1 Peter 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

2) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

3) This is our source document for equipping.

1. We need to communicate with each other regularly and frequently in order for vision to succeed.

2. This means that many voices need to be heard frequently.

1) Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

2) Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”

3. When we talk to each other, we need to be truthful.

1) Being truthful means we tell the truth. Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

2) Being truthful means we must keep our commitments. Consider Psalm 15:1, 4b “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? . . . He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”

3) Others need to know that they can depend on our words: “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation” (James 5:12).

4. A spirit of love must prevail for communication to be successful.

1) We must practice the golden rule (Matthew 7:21) as applied communication: If we want to be heard, we must listen to others.

2) We must use our words wisely. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col.4:6).

3) Consider 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 here too.

5. We must continue to meet and talk about our vision in truth and love, and with a view toward fulfilling our commitments.

1. No one person can complete the vision alone.

1) Jesus enlisted twelve apostles, and they enlisted others.

2) Consider Ephesians 4:11-12 in this context: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

3) Everyone has a role to play.

4) Each one of us must find that role.

2. No one person will be permitted not to participate in some way.

1) The Bible says that everyone can do something.

2) Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:12ff.

1. What are some key factors for vision to succeed?

1) Core Values

2) Communication

3) Cooperation

2. Invitation