Historical Posts
The Light of the World – Audio
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Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
John explained that the world was in darkness until Jesus, the true Light, came into the world to give it light (John 1:4-9). As long as He was in the world, He was the light of the world (John 9:5). Jesus was not in the world for a very long period of time. In fact, when the time would come to leave the world, He would be sure the light would still shine.
Jesus also said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Just as Jesus let His light shine in the world, so must His disciples. We are His disciples today! We must follow Him (1 Peter 2:21), letting our lights shine and being the light of the world today! John said, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Are you walking in the light and letting your light shine as Jesus did?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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He Who is Not Against Us – audio
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Copycat.
When I was much younger, people would try to be like me and I would try to be like them.
Sometimes, someone was similar to me without even trying; of course, I was similar to others whether they knew it or not. If someone tried to be like me and I didn’t approve of it, I would think of him as a “copycat.”
Copycats would not necessarily do bad things, but would certainly be annoying to the person they were copying.
Imagine seeing people you did not know doing good deeds like you do.
If someone were to have a similar lifestyle, you may know that they are Christians. Just because they speak and act like you, does that mean they cannot do those things?
Consider Jesus’ disciples.
They told Jesus that they witnessed someone casting out demons in His name, but forbade him because he did not follow them.
Jesus then explained to them that it was okay for someone else to do something in His name. “He who is not against us is on our side (Mark 17:40).”
If we all do something in the name of Christ, we are working on the same side!
There should be no conflict when we do things in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18).
Therefore, we should be encouraged, not discouraged, to know that there are others working for the Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Religion and Life
I get the distinct feeling that many people want the blessings and privileges that come with faith, but they desire few of the responsibilities of discipleship.
These folks want the Father close at hand, but never take the time to talk to Him in prayer. They want to be spiritually alive, but spend little time with the “bread of life” (the Bible). They want a faith that will sustain them in times of trouble, but have little thought of God when things go well. They want worship to be exciting, emotionally fulfilling, and spine tingling, but are spectators not participants in the assembly. They talk about the importance of Christ in their lives, and then crowd Him out of their lives. Paul described these folk as “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).
Faith in Jesus Christ is life changing, or at least it was meant to be.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). To follow Jesus requires that we rid our lives of all that is contrary to His will and nature, and that we imitate His life, His love, His devotion, and His compassion. He gave us the perfect example to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
As Christians, our purpose is to do the will of Him who died to save us.
We are not people pleasers, but God pleasers (Galatians 1:10). What we believe and stand for is not determined by public opinion and popular vote. We believe the Bible to be the word of God. We honor God by honoring His word. It is our rule book for life. It tells us how to live, what kind of people we are to be, how we are to treat one another, and what is required of us in order to live eternally. It is impossible to share in all the blessings of Christ, while rejecting the responsibilities of discipleship. Thus, the light of every true Christian will shine brightly each day.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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1 Corinthians 04:01-18 Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All
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Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-18
Introduction
1. There is a song entitled “Heaven Will Surely Be worth It All”
a. Words written by W. Oliver Cooper
b. Melody arranged by Minzo C. Jones
2. As I sing this song, two main thoughts come to mind
a. The many sacrifices faithful Christians must often make
b. The glories of heaven and what is to come for those who remain faithful
3. The song proclaims that the rewards will surely be worth whatever the cost
a. As did Paul, in writing to the Romans – Romans 8:18
b. And again, in writing to the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Body
I. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST
1. Before one’s own self – Luke 9:23-24
2. Before anyone else, including family – Luke 14:26; Matthew 10:34-37
3. Before anything the world has to offer – Luke 9:25; Luke 14:33
B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST
1. We must be willing to bear our own cross – Luke 14:27
2. Living in an ungodly world, we may find that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12
a. The persecution may be physical – 1 Peter 4:12-13
b. The persecution may be verbal – Luke 6:27-28
3. Other things we must endure for Christ’s sake:
a. Personal weaknesses in our struggle against sin – 1 Corinthians 9:27
b. Disappointments brought on by failing brethren – 2 Corinthians 11:29
1) E.g., whose apathy and neglect produce slothful service
2) E.g., whose irregular attendance makes it difficult to depend on them
3) E.g., whose unwillingness to serve creates extra burdens on those who do serve
4) E.g., whose murmuring hinders the efforts of those who try to do something
4. Even if blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways
a. Sometimes alone
b. Or with few to help
C. Yes, discipleship can be costly. As the song suggests, we are often “hindered”, “burdened”, with “trials, toils and tears” and “many a heartache”. But the Lord tells us through His Word that “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”
II. THE REWARDS OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. PAUL LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who endured much hardship – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
2. Yet looked forward to:
a. A house not made with hands – 2 Corinthians 5:1
b. The riches of God’s grace – Ephesians 2:7
c. A glorious transformation – Philippians 3:20-21
d. A crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8
e. A heavenly kingdom – 2 Timothy 4:18
B. PETER LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who likewise suffered hardship – cf. 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
2. Yet looked forward to:
a. An inheritance imperishable, undefiled, reserved in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4
b. A new heavens and new earth, in which righteousness dwells – 2 Peter 3:13-14
C. JOHN LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who suffered tribulation and exile – cf. Revelation 1:9
2. Yet was blessed to be shown:
a. The bliss of those who were triumphant over tribulation – Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17
b. The destiny of the redeemed, forever with God – Revelation 21:1-7, 10-11; 21:22-22:5
Conclusion
1. Can there be any comparison…?
a. Between a few years of service, even with hardship?
b. And an eternity of bliss in the presence of God?
c. “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”!
2. We have read the words of those like Paul, Peter, and John…
a. What if they could return and speak to us today?
b. What if our loved ones who died in Christ could return and speak to us today?
c. Would they not tell us, “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”?
3. Whatever the cost of following Jesus in this life, may the words of this song and the promises of Holy Scripture remind and comfort us to be faithful and persevere
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Three Loves of a Disciple
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(Love the Lord, the Brethren and the Lost)
Introduction
1. In the Great Commission, Jesus wanted His apostles to make disciples… – Matthew 28:19-20
a. A disciple is a learner, a follower, an adherent
b. Jesus wants us to learn from Him – Matthew 11:28-30
2. What does Jesus expect of us…?
a. Discipleship involves many things
b. But especially that we love – 2 Peter 1:5-8
3. But one might ask…
a. What are we to love?
b. How can we best show our love?
Body
I. THE THREE LOVES DEFINED
A. LOVES THE LORD…
1. Jesus taught we should love God – Matthew 22:37
2. His disciple John wrote that loving God must also mean loving His Son – 1 John 5:1
3. Jesus expressed the same thought as John, but conversely – John 15:23
— A disciple of Jesus is one who loves both the Father and the Son
B. LOVES THE BRETHREN…
1. Jesus made this love a mark of true discipleship – John 13:34-35
2. John made it a sign of spiritual life – 1 John 3:14; cf. 1 John 2: 9-11
— A disciple of Jesus is one who loves his fellow disciples
C. LOVES THE LOST…
1. God the Father certainly loved the lost – John 3:16
2. Jesus likewise had compassion for the lost – Matthew 9:35-38
3. Paul had great concern for the lost – Romans 10:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
— A disciple of Jesus is one loves those who are lost in sin
[Disciples also love their families, even their enemies, but such can be included in either the category of brethren or the lost. Knowing who we are to love, how can we manifest such love? Some thoughts on..]
II. THE THREE LOVES DEMONSTRATED
A. THROUGH WORSHIP…
1. This is how we can best demonstrate our love for God
2. Assuming that our worship is in harmony with what Jesus revealed
a. That it is in Spirit and truth – John 4:23-24
b. That it includes keeping His commandments – John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10
3. We are to worship God in two ways:
a. Through our public assemblies – Hebrews 10:24-25
b. Through our private devotions – e.g., Matthew 6:6
— Disciples demonstrate love for God through public worship and private devotion
B. THROUGH FELLOWSHIP…
1. This is how we can best demonstrate our love for the brethren
2. By not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together – Hebrews 10:24-25
3. We are to fellowship with one another in two ways:
a. By coming together as a church, for the Lord’s Supper and other means of edification – Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26
b. By extending hospitality to one another – cf. 1 Peter 4:8-9
— Disciples demonstrate love for brethren through fellowship in church and home
C. THROUGH EVANGELISM…
1. There is no better way to show love for the lost
2. Jesus manifested His compassion in this way
a. By teaching the lost – Matthew 9:35-36
b. By calling for prayer in behalf of the lost – Matthew 9:37-38
c. By developing and sending forth laborers – Matthew 10:1, 5-7
3. We can show our concern for the lost in similar ways
a. Through personal evangelism – e.g., 1 Peter 3:15; John 1:45-56
b. Through supporting foreign evangelists – cf. Romans 10:14-15
— Disciples demonstrate love for the lost by engaging in both local and foreign evangelism
Conclusion
1. We go a long way to becoming true disciples of Jesus by…
a. Loving the Lord
b. Loving the brethren
c. Loving the lost
2. We go a long way in demonstrating such love through…
a. Public worship and private devotion
b. Fellowship with one another in both church and home
c. Engaging in both local and foreign evangelism
3. Many Christians love only partially…
a. They worship God in public, but not in private
b. They fellowship with brethren at church, but not in their homes
c. They evangelize at home, but do nothing to support evangelism abroad
4. No matter how much we love as disciples of Christ, we can always improve…
a. “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment” – Philippians 1:9
b. Perhaps this study, “The Three Loves Of A Disciple,” can provide direction for improving our love…
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Faith within the Family
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Introduction
1. As Christians, we are privileged to be members of God’s family…
a. With God as our Father in heaven
b. With Christ as our Elder Brother
c. With many fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters – cf. Mark 10:29-30
2. Even so, we also have duties as members of our human families…
a. As husbands and wives
b. As parents and children
c. As married and single
[What impact should our faith as Christians have on our physical families? What are our responsibilities as Christians who are blessed with familial relationships? Consider first…]
Body
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS HUSBAND AND FATHER
A. DUTIES OF THE HUSBAND…
1. Husbands are to love their wives – Ephesians 5:25-29
a. As Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her
b. As their own bodies, nourishing and cherishing them
2. Husbands are to leave mother and father – Ephesians 5:31
a. Leaving parents to be joined to one’s wife
b. The husband therefore gives his wife priority over his parents
3. Husbands are not to be bitter toward their wives – Colossians 3:19
a. “do not be harsh with them” – Colossians 3:19 ESV
b. “never treat them harshly” – Colossians 3:19 NRSV
4. Husbands are to be understanding and give honor to their wives – 1 Peter 3:7
a. Understanding their delicate nature
b. Honoring them as heirs together of the grace of life
B. DUTIES OF THE FATHER…
1. To provide the necessities of life – 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:8
a. Parents ought to provide for their children
b. A man who fails to do so is worse than an infidel
2. Not to provoke the children to wrath – Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21
a. That is, by unreasonable commands; by needless severity; by the manifestation of anger
b. Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you
3. To provide for spiritual training of the children – Ephesians 6:4
a. Bringing them up in the training (discipline, Ephesians 6:4 ESV) of the Lord
b. Bringing them up in the admonition (instruction, Ephesians 6:4 ESV) of the Lord
4. To provide loving discipline as necessary – Hebrews 12:6-11; Proverbs 13:24
a. Even as our Heavenly Father disciplines His children
b. Though it may be unpleasant at the moment
[Such are familial responsibilities of Christian men as husbands and fathers. Now let’s consider…]
II. THE CHRISTIAN AS WIFE AND MOTHER
A. DUTIES OF THE WIFE…
1. Wives are to submit to their husbands – Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-2
a. As to the Lord, as is fitting in the Lord
b. In everything, as the church is subject to Christ
2. Wives are to respect and love their husbands – Ephesians 5:33; Titus 2:4
a. Not just to submit, but to do so with respect and love for their husbands
b. Which older women should teach the younger women
B. DUTIES OF THE MOTHER…
1. To love their children – Titus 2:4
a. Which ought to be natural
b. Yet sin can lead to a lack of proper affection – cf. Romans 1:31
2. To manage the household – Titus 2:5; 1 Timothy 5:14
a. The primary responsibility of the wife and mother
b. Though a woman may also engage in activities outside the home – cf. Proverbs 31:10-31
3. To provide spiritual training when male leadership is lacking – 2 Timothy 1:5; cf. Acts 16:1
a. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers
b. Evidently his father was not, which is too often the case today
[Such are the duties of Christian women as wives and mothers. Next let’s take a look at…]
III. THE CHRISTIAN AS CHILD AND SINGLE
A. DUTIES OF CHILDREN…
1. To obey their parents – Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20
a. In the Lord, for this is right
b. In all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord
2. To honor their parents – Ephesians 6:2-3
a. The first commandment with promise – cf. Exodus 20:12
b. By providing for their welfare in later years – cf. 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16
B. DUTIES OF THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN…
1. To utilize the advantage of being single – 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
a. Use your freedom to increase your service to God
b. Don’t be selfish with the extra time and freedom you have
c. Don’t begrudge others who may not do as much as you because of their other responsibilities (e.g., children, spouse)
2. To watch out for the dangers of being single – cf. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
a. Temptation – make an effort to develop a close relationship with the Lord
b. Loneliness – accept invitations to be with others, initiate opportunities to be with others
c. Self-centeredness – offer yourself in service to others; be flexible
3. To remember that you are in the family of God – Mark 10:29-30
a. You have many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children
b. Make the effort to develop and utilize these relationships
[Finally, some remarks regarding discipleship as it relates to our familial relationships…]
IV. THE CHRISTIAN AS DISCIPLE
A. PUTTING THE LORD BEFORE THE FAMILY…
1. Of course, we are to love our parents, spouses and children
2. Yet our love for the Lord must come first – Matthew 10:34-37; 12: 46-50
a. Otherwise we are not worthy to be called His disciple
b. Only then will Jesus view us as members of His family
3. By putting God and His kingdom first, our families will benefit more – cf. Matthew 6:33
a. God’s providence will help provide for our families’ needs
b. We will also be better parents, spouses and children by following Jesus
B. PRESENTING THE LORD TO THE FAMILY…
1. By way of example – cf. 1 Peter 3:1-2
a. So wives were to influence their unbelieving husbands
b. So we can influence other unbelieving members of the family
2. By way of instruction – cf. Ephesians 6:4
a. So fathers were to instruct their children
b. So we can teach other members of the family
Conclusion
1. The nuclear family is a wonderful blessing, intended by God to consist of…
a. Husbands and wives who love and respect one another
b. Parents who love and discipline their children
c. Children who honor and obey their parents
2. As Christians, our familial duties are clear…
a. Whether as husbands or wives
b. Whether as parents or children
c. Whether as married or single
3. May our faith in Christ lead us to be the best spouses and parents, the best children and singles, we can possibly be
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Disciplines for the Disciple – 1 Timothy 04:01-10
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-10
Introduction
1. We find Paul exhorting Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7
a. “exercise yourself toward godliness”
b. What does this mean?
2. Compare other translations
a. “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7 ESV, 1 Timothy 4:7 NET)
b. “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7 NIV, 1 Timothy 4:7 NLT)
c. “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (NASB)
3. Consider what some commentators have written
a. “cultivate piety, and seek to become more holy” – Barnes
b. “Timothy is told that as an athlete trains his body, so the
Christian must train his soul.” – Barclay
4. The value of such spiritual exercise is seen in 1 Timothy 4:8
a. “godliness is profitable for all things”
b. “having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come”
5. The disciple, therefore, is to engage in various “exercises” or “disciplines” that cultivate godliness or piety. In this series, we shall take a look at such disciplines for the disciple. But in this lesson, some introductory thoughts regarding
Body
I. THE CONCEPT OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
A. DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
1. In general terms, discipline means:
a. “any training intended to develop moral character, or produce a pattern of behavior.”
b. “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character – Merriam-Webster
2. Regarding spiritual disciplines in particular:
a. “A spiritual discipline is, when practiced faithfully and regularly, a habit or regular pattern in your life that repeatedly brings you back to God and opens you up to what God is saying to you.”
b. “Spiritual disciplines can be described as behaviors that facilitate spiritual growth.”
3. Spiritual disciplines, then, are spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior
B. EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
1. Prayer – in which one spends time talking to God – e.g., Daniel 6:10; Colossians 4:2
2. Meditation – in which one contemplates on God’s Word, or other things worthy of such attention – cf. Psalm 1:1-2; Philippians 4:8
3. Singing – through which one can praise God and be edified – Psalm 71:23; Acts 16:25
4. Giving – by which we can please God and be blessed – cf. Hebrews 13:16; Acts 20:35
5. Assembling – where we can exhort one another – cf. Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:24-25
6. Hospitality – showing kindness to strangers, which often results in a blessing – Hebrews 13:2
7. Teaching – which usually benefits the teacher more than the student – Hebrews 5:12-14
8. Such spiritual activities help to discipline or train one to be more godly
We shall examine these more carefully in future lessons. But to appreciate the importance of spiritual disciplines for those who call themselves disciples of Christ, let’s review
II. THE CONCEPT OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. THE WORD “DISCIPLE”
1. Literally means a learner
2. It denotes “one who follows another’s teaching” – Vine
3. A disciple was not only a learner, he was also an adherent
4. For such reasons, disciples were spoken of as imitators of their teachers
B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher – Luke 6:40
2. To be Christ’s disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. This coincides with God’s goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the image of His Son – Romans 8:29
4. Since Jesus is the Son of God, the goal of a disciple is to be more godly
Conclusion
1. Are you a disciple of Christ…?
a. Jesus wants you to become His disciple – Matthew 28:19-20
b. Jesus wants you to become like Him – Luke 6:40
2. With the aid of spiritual disciplines, we are more likely to become what Jesus wanted…
a. For Jesus Himself often taught His disciples to engage in such activities
b. Through both precept and example, Jesus taught His disciples regarding such activities
3. If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then I trust that this series,”Disciplines For The Disciple” will be of special to interest to you. Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7-9
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 01:01 A Servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ – audio
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Text: James 1:1
Introduction
1. In our introductory study, we concluded that James, the Lord’s brother, was most likely the author
2. If this is so, then it is interesting that James does not identify himself as such, but rather as simply a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ – James 1:1
3. Perhaps it was a case of humility; yet, calling himself a servant was not peculiar to James
a. Paul described himself as such as well – Romans 1:1
b. So did Peter (2 Peter 1:1) and Jude (Jude 1)
4. Why did these men refer to themselves as servants?
a. The Greek term (DOULOS) literally means a slave
b. Why use such a term to describe themselves?
c. Maybe we should think of ourselves as servants?
Body
I. BEING A SERVANT IS WHAT A DISCIPLE OF JESUS IS CALLED TO BE
A. JESUS STRESSED THIS TRUTH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS
1. While pointing out the faults of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:8-12
2. During the Last Supper, with a vivid demonstration of servitude – John 13:12-17
3. Even by His own example, as He came to serve – Matthew 20:25-28
B. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE
1. God – Hebrews 9:14
2. Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 4:1
3. Each other – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
4. The early Christians called themselves servants, because that is what they were!
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
A. AN IMMATURE PERSON IS USUALLY VERY SELFISH
1. For example, newborn babies are very ego-centrical
2. Normally, as people grow older, they begin to concern themselves with the needs of others
a. If they do, they are becoming mature
b. If they remain selfish, it is an indication of immaturity
B. A PERSON WHO SERVES OTHERS
1. Is certainly not selfish, but concerned with the needs of others
2. And thereby demonstrates mature behavior
C. JAMES’ DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE THEME OF HIS EPISTLE
1. Remember, the theme is: MARKS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
2. By being a servant, James is demonstrating his own spiritual maturity
3. And we can make the point that one of the marks of spiritual maturity is truly being a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ!
4. Are we trying to be servants of God, and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then we are on the road to spiritual maturity!
III. BEING A SERVANT HAS SEVERAL IMPLICATIONS
A. IT IMPLIES ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE
1. In a slave-master relationship…
a. The slave knows no law but his master’s word
b. He has no rights of his own
c. He is the absolute possession of his master
d. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ?
a. It should, especially in light of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
b. We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own – Luke 6:46
B. IT IMPLIES ABSOLUTE HUMILITY
1. Otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible
a. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience
b. For example, consider Paul’s self-estimation – 1 Corinthians 15:9-10; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15
2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will?
a. Jesus said it should! – Luke 17:10
b. But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be considered servants?
C. IT IMPLIES ABSOLUTE LOYALTY
1. Since we become servants FREELY, it should be expected that we:
a. Are to be loyal to Him first – Galatians 1:10
b. Do not consider our own profit or pleasure important, but that of the One we freely serve!
2. But it is amazing how anyone can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, while:
a. Complaining about having to do the will of God, OR
b. Being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will
3. But some act as though they are being forced against their own will!
a. They don’t have to serve the Lord Jesus
1) Of course, the alternative is not very inviting
2) If we don’t serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined for hell!
b. But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever grumble or complain that He calls us to life of service in grateful appreciation!
c. These are some of the implications of being called a servant. It is costly in terms of service, pride, and allegiance.
IV. BEING A SERVANT IS A GREAT HONOR
A. FAR FROM BEING A TITLE OF DISHONOR, IT WAS THE TITLE BY WHICH THE GREATEST MEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WERE KNOWN
1. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob – Deuteronomy 9:27 (your servants)
2. Moses – 1Kings 8:53 (your servant)
3. Joshua – Josh 24:29 (Servant of the Lord)
4. Caleb – Numbers 14:24 (My servant)
5. Job – Job 1:8 (My servant)
6. Isaiah – Isaiah 20:3 (My servant)
7. The prophets – Jeremiah 7:25 (My servants)
B. HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE IF GOD LOOKED UPON US AS COMPANIONS OF THESE GREAT MEN
1. Who found freedom, peace, and glory!
2. Who found it in perfect submission to the Will of God!
Conclusion
1. God will, IF we are willing to accept the call to serve Him and His Son Jesus Christ with:
a. Absolute obedience
b. Absolute humility
c. Absolute loyalty
2. And when we are serving God, His Son Jesus Christ, and even each other in this manner, we are making great strides towards SPIRITUAL MATURITY!
3. A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ – can this be said of us?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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