There is an overwhelming sense of discouragement that is pervading in people’s lives today. Just this week, I met a check-out lady at CVS and asked her how things were going. “Awful,” was her reply. “My husband and I have one child, I’m pregnant with child # two, however, my husband just left me for another woman in Michigan. I don’t know what I’m going to do, $$$ is gone, I’m stressed out to the max.” How many of you know someone or feel that way today?
The Word of God gives great hope to those who are discouraged, disillusioned, downcast, etc. The Good News is that God is in control – Jesus is alive, risen, coming again and if you have Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, you can live in His peace today.
Reassurance (13) – One thing about these Thessalonian believers is that had put their faith in the Word of God. Now, because of the intense persecution that Paul faced as he brought them the Word of God, he was only able to stay with them a few short weeks. Paul taught them about worshipping and serving the One True and Living God, encouraging one another, spiritual warfare, witnessing, doing God’s will, etc. Paul also taught them to expect the Lord Jesus Christ could return at any moment. These new believers got so excited about the Lord’s return and began to prepare their lives to meet Him. However, while they waited for the Lord to return, some of their friends, families, loved ones died. This discouraged them b/c they felt their loved ones would miss out on the wonderful coming of our Lord. Paul encouraged them with the truth that when Jesus came back, their loved ones in Christ would be there, too! The world believes that death is the end of it all (sad). The follower of Christ knows the death is just the beginning to everlasting life in the Presence of the Lord!
Resurrection (14-15) – Why do believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have such hope? Our hope (confidence) is anchored in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because Jesus died and rose again, we will also. 2 Cor. 4:14 we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. Rom 8:11 …if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Where do you anchor your hope this morning? Is your hope in the AJC? Is your hope built on what is going on in the White House? Is your hope in your checkbook? If so, that is no hope. Real hope comes from building your life on the Word of God, what the Lord Jesus did for you on the innocent blood shed on the cross of Calvary, the empty tomb! Death, for the believer in Jesus, is not the end, but the beginning. According to Luke 16:22, an angel of the Lord will usher you into the very presence of the Lord. Think of the thief who was dying on the cross next to the Lord Jesus. Jesus did not say, “I hope you might someday be with me in paradise.” No, He said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Because Jesus died, our sin debt is paid in full. Because Jesus is risen we will spend eternity with Him (John 11:25).
Return (16) – The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with and come for His own. The trumpet of God will sound. Trumpets in the Bible were used to sound war, gather people, in this case the trumpet of God is going to assemble all in Christ.
Reunion (17-18) – We’ll see our loved ones in the Lord Jesus Christ again. Some of you have had husbands, wives, children, grandchildren who have died…you’ll see them again! There is no separation for loved ones in Christ. I’ll see my grandfather again. I will hear him say, “Ol’ Davy boy!” again! That’s why Christians face funerals with a different perspective than unbelievers. WE know that not even death can eternally remove us from our loved ones or of the glory of the return of our Savior. Psalm 4:8: I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Regret (5:1-3) – While we do not know when the Lord will return for His own at the rapture of the church, the world does not know that the day of the Lord’s judgment is coming upon them. A day of incredible, fearful judgment is coming upon those who reject the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. A man may reject God, curse God, live a life for self, sin, and it seems like God does nothing about it. However, there is coming a day in the future when God will deal with a Christ-rejecting world. This day will come like a thief in the night. No thief I’ve ever known calls up the family he’s about to rob and says, “Now, make sure you are up and alert at 1 AM, I’m going to rob you blind!” Luke 12:39-40, “But know this, that if the mater of the house would have known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” The world leaders may even be promising peace, safety…no worries. Jesus said when He returned the days would be like the days of Noah, people eating, marrying, drinking, selling, buying…all of a sudden, judgment comes upon them.
Ready (5:4-11) – Thinking about the return of Jesus Christ ought to make us live with godly character, spiritual motivation, peace with the Lord and others. 2 Peter 3:11-14, “11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” We ought to be leaving, close and clean to the Lord knowing He could return at any moment. We ought to be always looking for an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with lost friends, family, co-workers, etc. We need to be a part of building up the body of Christ with our time, talent, treasures. We ought to be walking in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and have petty differences laid at the foot of the cross. We ought to be encouraging one another in the body of Christ, spurring one another on toward love and good works. We ought to be at church faithfully, praying, in Bible study, spending time with God’s people over the Word of God! Always living with the thought in mind of the day when we will give an account to the Lord of the lives we lived – for self or for the Savior.
How can we be faithful while we wait for the Lord’s return? First, Paul says, “Be sober.” He is talking here about being alive to God’s will and purpose for your life (like a soldier on guard, alert). Be sensitive to what is going on around you, not sleeping, not half-hearted in your walk with the Lord. Second, he says, “putting on the breastplate of faith and love.” A soldier with his armor on is ready for action. Faith means we are trusting in the Lord and love means our relationship with others is pure, we are expressing tangibly our love for others. Third, he says we are to put on as helmet the hope of salvation (5:8-10). That is, we ought to be constantly thinking about what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. This is not a hope so salvation. This is a know so salvation. I know Jesus died for my sins. I know He rose again. I know I have turned from sin and placed all my faith in what He did for me at the cross of Calvary. I know Jesus has forgiven me, I know His Holy Spirit is in control, I know nothing can separate me from the love of God in Jesus Christ (not death, angels, suffering, pain, sorrow). Church, that is the kind of Savior we have in Jesus Christ. Fourth, he tells us to encourage and edify one another. We live in such a time when criticism, cut downs, fault-finding, bitterness, can fill the church. Instead of wasting your time on that, how about working on building up believers. Understanding they are sinners saved by grace just as you are. Understanding your call in life is to build people up in the Lord not bring people down!
We are living in a day right now and we are to be faithful in our worship and service to the Lord. While we worship, witness, work, we are waiting for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our Response:
1. This morning, you may realize that you have never thought about this and you need to become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. ABC - Admit to God you are a sinner, Ask for His forgiveness, Believe Jesus is God’s Son who died for your sins, was buried, rose again to give eternal life to you. Confess Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
2. Is the Lord leading you to become part of the family of God here? If you have asked Christ into your heart, but never been baptized, then come today and join by baptism. If you have already been baptized and a member of another church and God is calling you here, then join this church family.
3. Maybe you know it is time the Lord receive glory from your life. Your walk with Him has grown cold, apathetic. There is much darkness in the world because believers are not being the light God called us to be. Would you come in repentance?
4. It’s time to begin sharing the comfort of the Gospel, build up fellow believers, growing stronger in faith, love, and hope. Come and bow before your Lord. Ask Him for the courage to live close, clean, courageously in these last days.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Found Faithful to God's Will - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
How many times have you asked the Lord or heard others ask, “God, what is your will for my life?” Have you ever asked God to show you His pleasant, pleasing, and perfect will for your life? Perhaps other than asking the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Savior, the decision to know and do God’s will is of utmost importance in your life.
Truths Concerning the Will of God
+ Salvation is His will for your life. God has made that very clear in His Word that none should perish, but that all should come to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. You never have to ask the Lord, “God is it your will that I am saved?” The Lord Jesus Christ has already done EVERYTHING necessary for you to become a child of God. Jesus lived a sinless life, died a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, shedding His life’s blood for you and me. He was buried and on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave – victorious over Satan, sin, death, hell, and the grave. You must be willing to receive salvation as a free gift by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9).
+Sanctification is His will for your life. Once you become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He begins a LIFETIME process of making your more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). Being sanctified means you are “set apart” from the world and into His service.
+Scripture Centered Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must feed on the Word of God, the Scriptures are essential to your spiritual walk and vitality in the Lord (Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:9-10). How long can you go without physical food and expect to stay strong? The Word of God is food for your soul!
+Strong in the Lord The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18).
+Serving the Lord and others The definition of joy is Jesus – Others – You! There is so much work to be done in our church and into this community. We are actively working on our Across GA 2010 – Every Christian caring – Every believer sharing – Every Georgian hearing. Are you involved in the harvest…or content to let others take your place?
+Secure in God’s grip of grace. We do what we do for the Lord BECAUSE He has chosen us to work through (John 15). No amount of works or service gives us eternal security – rather, out of that secure relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we do the good works He’s planned in advance for us to walk in (Eph. 2:10).
+Stable, Serenity (Romans 5:1-5)
Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior
God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin
You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay
God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal
You are better than most, you pray, give, attend church, etc.
The only sins that matter are the Big ones…sexual immorality, murder, hatred, pride, etc. Other sins such as gossip, un-forgiveness, jealousy, bitterness are simply not that big of a deal.
You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc.
Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat
God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy
How to know and do the will of God
+Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 - The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life! (This is not optional)!
+ Desire to grow As parents and grandparents, think of the sheer joy it brings to your heart as that child begins to develop new ways, habits, activities, etc. that are positive. Can you remember the first time your child brushed their teeth? Put on their own clothes? Made their bed, meal, etc. Ephesians 4:12-16, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
+ Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – There is a part God plays and a part you play in doing His will. God does not wave a magic wand over you so you always choose right – He doesn’t take away the wonderful taste of cake – there’s a part we must play.
+ Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 – We live in a sex saturated society (billboards, TV shows, magazines, internet, etc). Because you are a new creation in Christ Jesus – act like it! There are some websites to be avoided, places you simply cannot go anymore, movies, books, DVD’s that must go, improper relationships with others that must be cut off – You don’t do these things to BECOME holy…but because JESUS CHRIST made you holy through the cross! God's will is that we should avoid sexual immorality. The word translated "sexual immorality" is where we get our English word "pornography" and it refers to practices such as premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, lesbianism, sodomy, incest, etc. “Sexual Immorality”: any sexual activity that is not within the confines of a heterosexual relationship involving people who are legally married.
How many homes, churches, ministries, servants of the Lord have ruined their lives because their character was no different than unbelievers? No one can play with fire without getting burned! Proverbs 6:27-29, “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.”
God is the One who pours out His Spirit upon you, indwells you, has given you new life. We are commanded to offer ourselves to the Savior, rather than sin…if you have problems with this, your problem is not with me, rather God! 1 Thess. 4:8
What if I’ve failed? Who hasn’t? Take you sins and failures to the cross, leave them there, for they are under the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7, 1 John 2:2)! Jesus sees us in our sin and shame – yet with eyes of mercy (John 8:12). He does not want us to wallow in past sin, guilt, and will not use us mightily if we choose to focus more on our guilt than His grace. Jesus forgives failures – Mark 16:7, “…and Peter.” – Lk. 22:31-32, 61-62 – God is more willing to forgive than we are to receive it ourselves!
+Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God!
+Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 – People you don’t need to be hanging around continually would include busybodies, apathetic believers, people who tear you down, etc. Find people who are going to call you to go higher in integrity, work, devotion to God’s will. The people you hang around with most are going to determine much about the direction of your life! 1 Cor. 15:33, “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
+Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – People are watching you – By the way you live, work, do your daily business, would it cause others to want to follow Jesus? Are you late for work, downing employees, giving half-hearted effort?
+Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc.
+Day of the Lord What kind of an account of your life, lifestyle, do you want to give to the Lord? In light of that day (Bema Seat), all should desire to live faithful to the will of God.
Our Response:
1. This morning, are you walking in the will of God? Do you understand that Jesus perfectly did the will of God? He is the only One who never failed, thus we need His forgiveness. Remember ABC. Admit to God you are a sinner. Believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Confess Jesus is Lord and trust His work on the cross.
2. Today, would you like to become a member of this church family? Perhaps you’ve received Jesus, but have never been baptized. If you are a member of another church and have been baptized, yet sense God is calling you here, then join us this morning.
3. Are you willing to walk in God’s will beginning today? Is there a sin that is keeping you from following Jesus? Are you willing to bring it to the Lord today? Turn away from sin and turn your eyes upon Jesus who will empower you to walk in new life today!
4. Is there a friend you need to ask to keep you accountable in the area of purity, pleasing God in areas such as home life, marriage, work, friendships, etc?
5. If you have failed, there is freedom from failure – Ask God to forgive you, choose now to live in purity, receive His forgiveness, take the next step forward in Christ.
6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.
Truths Concerning the Will of God
+ Salvation is His will for your life. God has made that very clear in His Word that none should perish, but that all should come to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. You never have to ask the Lord, “God is it your will that I am saved?” The Lord Jesus Christ has already done EVERYTHING necessary for you to become a child of God. Jesus lived a sinless life, died a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, shedding His life’s blood for you and me. He was buried and on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave – victorious over Satan, sin, death, hell, and the grave. You must be willing to receive salvation as a free gift by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9).
+Sanctification is His will for your life. Once you become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He begins a LIFETIME process of making your more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). Being sanctified means you are “set apart” from the world and into His service.
+Scripture Centered Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must feed on the Word of God, the Scriptures are essential to your spiritual walk and vitality in the Lord (Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:9-10). How long can you go without physical food and expect to stay strong? The Word of God is food for your soul!
+Strong in the Lord The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18).
+Serving the Lord and others The definition of joy is Jesus – Others – You! There is so much work to be done in our church and into this community. We are actively working on our Across GA 2010 – Every Christian caring – Every believer sharing – Every Georgian hearing. Are you involved in the harvest…or content to let others take your place?
+Secure in God’s grip of grace. We do what we do for the Lord BECAUSE He has chosen us to work through (John 15). No amount of works or service gives us eternal security – rather, out of that secure relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we do the good works He’s planned in advance for us to walk in (Eph. 2:10).
+Stable, Serenity (Romans 5:1-5)
Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior
God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin
You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay
God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal
You are better than most, you pray, give, attend church, etc.
The only sins that matter are the Big ones…sexual immorality, murder, hatred, pride, etc. Other sins such as gossip, un-forgiveness, jealousy, bitterness are simply not that big of a deal.
You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc.
Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat
God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy
How to know and do the will of God
+Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 - The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life! (This is not optional)!
+ Desire to grow As parents and grandparents, think of the sheer joy it brings to your heart as that child begins to develop new ways, habits, activities, etc. that are positive. Can you remember the first time your child brushed their teeth? Put on their own clothes? Made their bed, meal, etc. Ephesians 4:12-16, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
+ Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – There is a part God plays and a part you play in doing His will. God does not wave a magic wand over you so you always choose right – He doesn’t take away the wonderful taste of cake – there’s a part we must play.
+ Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 – We live in a sex saturated society (billboards, TV shows, magazines, internet, etc). Because you are a new creation in Christ Jesus – act like it! There are some websites to be avoided, places you simply cannot go anymore, movies, books, DVD’s that must go, improper relationships with others that must be cut off – You don’t do these things to BECOME holy…but because JESUS CHRIST made you holy through the cross! God's will is that we should avoid sexual immorality. The word translated "sexual immorality" is where we get our English word "pornography" and it refers to practices such as premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, lesbianism, sodomy, incest, etc. “Sexual Immorality”: any sexual activity that is not within the confines of a heterosexual relationship involving people who are legally married.
How many homes, churches, ministries, servants of the Lord have ruined their lives because their character was no different than unbelievers? No one can play with fire without getting burned! Proverbs 6:27-29, “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.”
God is the One who pours out His Spirit upon you, indwells you, has given you new life. We are commanded to offer ourselves to the Savior, rather than sin…if you have problems with this, your problem is not with me, rather God! 1 Thess. 4:8
What if I’ve failed? Who hasn’t? Take you sins and failures to the cross, leave them there, for they are under the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7, 1 John 2:2)! Jesus sees us in our sin and shame – yet with eyes of mercy (John 8:12). He does not want us to wallow in past sin, guilt, and will not use us mightily if we choose to focus more on our guilt than His grace. Jesus forgives failures – Mark 16:7, “…and Peter.” – Lk. 22:31-32, 61-62 – God is more willing to forgive than we are to receive it ourselves!
+Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God!
+Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 – People you don’t need to be hanging around continually would include busybodies, apathetic believers, people who tear you down, etc. Find people who are going to call you to go higher in integrity, work, devotion to God’s will. The people you hang around with most are going to determine much about the direction of your life! 1 Cor. 15:33, “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
+Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – People are watching you – By the way you live, work, do your daily business, would it cause others to want to follow Jesus? Are you late for work, downing employees, giving half-hearted effort?
+Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc.
+Day of the Lord What kind of an account of your life, lifestyle, do you want to give to the Lord? In light of that day (Bema Seat), all should desire to live faithful to the will of God.
Our Response:
1. This morning, are you walking in the will of God? Do you understand that Jesus perfectly did the will of God? He is the only One who never failed, thus we need His forgiveness. Remember ABC. Admit to God you are a sinner. Believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Confess Jesus is Lord and trust His work on the cross.
2. Today, would you like to become a member of this church family? Perhaps you’ve received Jesus, but have never been baptized. If you are a member of another church and have been baptized, yet sense God is calling you here, then join us this morning.
3. Are you willing to walk in God’s will beginning today? Is there a sin that is keeping you from following Jesus? Are you willing to bring it to the Lord today? Turn away from sin and turn your eyes upon Jesus who will empower you to walk in new life today!
4. Is there a friend you need to ask to keep you accountable in the area of purity, pleasing God in areas such as home life, marriage, work, friendships, etc?
5. If you have failed, there is freedom from failure – Ask God to forgive you, choose now to live in purity, receive His forgiveness, take the next step forward in Christ.
6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.
Investing Your Life in the King's Service - Matthew 25:14-30
Elvis Presley is known as the “King of Rock-n-Roll.” Perhaps there’s been no greater music entertainer in the past 100 years that has used his talents to shake up the crowd, like Elvis. Thinking over the latter years of Elvis’ life and his drug overdose, do you think he would do things differently if given another chance? Do you think he would have invested in a different way?
Our Heavenly King has given each of us the awesome opportunity to invest our lives, using the gifts and talents He’s invested in us to minister. The best investment of your life is investing back into the King’s service! We will give an account one day of our faithfulness or unfaithfulness… The King of Kings will say, “Well done!” or “Wicked, worthless, wasted.” Which will it be for you?
Distant Journey (14) – The Lord Jesus Christ is in heaven right now, yet He has gifted every single child of His with various gifts (Eph. 4:8). He gives each of us ample time to make use of those gifts and we simply must be obedient to His call upon our lives. This is no time to be goofing off, wasting time, doing our own thing, rather we should be saying, “Lord, how have you gifted me?”
Delegating Talents (15) – God is the One who gives the talents to His people. To one servant, He gave five. To another, He gave two. To yet another, He gave one. We must always remember God is the One who has given us what we have. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “…not your own, bought with a price, glorify God!” Our ultimate accountability is to the Lord.
Differing Talents (15) – Not everyone has the same talent, and that is completely fine. The call is not for us to get jealous about the one who has more talent, rather to be faithful with what God has invested into our own lives! For example, I look at Billy Graham, Dr. James Dobson, Dr. James Merritt, or Dr. Charles Stanley and say, “I will never be as talented as they, can’t preach/teach, have as big ministry or church.” It’s easy to think they are more special in God’s eyes because of what’s been accomplished through them. However, God gives each of us a gift (some five, two, or one). If we are a five, be the five. Two, be the two. One, be the one. He’s not asking for us to become someone else, but to be the unique person He’s created us to be. Also, He’s not looking for our church to be like the mega church down the road, yet, He is looking for us to be faithful with what He’s invested into our lives – to touch others, minister, serve, reach out. We need to take His call upon our lives with all seriousness. The gifts we have belong to the Lord and are to be used for His glory.
Dependable Servants (16 & 17) – These two servants of the Lord did exactly what God had intended for them to do. Both of them used their God given time, talent, treasure, testimony, etc. faithfully. The man with five talents, gained five more. The man with two talents, gained two more. Both of these men doubled their talent treasury. Both of these servants knew they would give an account one day of how they invested their Master’s talents. They could have chosen to say, “Well, thank God, I’m gifted, and that’s enough.” Instead, they took the attitude of, “My Master has invested into my life. Just as He’s invested in me, I will invest into others.” Both servants did not waste time, but immediately began to invest their talents. Some say, “I will get on board with God, one day.” “When the economy gets better, then I’ll give.” “When I’m retired, I’ll begin to think about being a witness for the Lord, etc.” “When I began to feel a little better, I’ll start taking this whole call to serve God a little more seriously.”
Disloyal Servant (18) – In Jesus’ day, to dig a hole and put your valuables in the ground was normally a safe thing. However, the Master had not called His servants to bury their talents, rather to use those talents to gain more. Why did this one talented man do that? Perhaps he saw that others had more and felt like his didn’t really matter. Perhaps he got busy doing so many other things that he forgot about His Master’s purpose? Maybe he said, “Well, my Master is not returning for a long time, I’ll be about His business after taking care of my things first.”
Day of Reckoning (19) – We will give an account to God one day with what He’s given to us – 2 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 14, etc. Thinking of that day ought to motivate each of us to faithfulness to the Lord.
Disciple’s Praised (20-23) – It ought to be the desire of our heart to hear the Lord say of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Even in this life, the greatest thing we can do is give back with a grateful heart for all God has given us. The one who had doubled to ten talents was told the exact same thing the one who had doubled to four, “Well done, enter into the joy of your Lord!” If we are faithful with what God give us, He can entrust more to us. If we are not faithful with the little things, how can He entrust us with more?
Distorted View of God (24-26) – This third servant had the same opportunity as the others, but did not have the proper view of his Master. He said the Master was a “hard man.” Look back at how kind the Master had been to each of the three. He blessed them with what they didn’t naturally have, He gave them plenty of to invest, He praised the first two for their faithfulness. Many people don’t believe God is good, kind, faithful, giving…because of their distorted view of God, they don’t serve Him! The servant also tried to blame the Master of bad character (many people blame God) as the reason for their unfaithfulness. The servant also said, “I was afraid, went and hid your talent in the ground…” The servant is simply full of excuses as to why he could not be found faithful. This is a very selfish way to live. This is a life turned inward, instead of a life lived upward to God in thanksgiving and outward to others in service, ministry.
Description of the servant (26) – “wicked” and “lazy.” Do you understand that you don’t have to be involved in some massive sin, yet the Lord could still say of you, “wicked, lazy servant.” Some people come to church week in and week out, yet never do anything with what they’ve heard. They think they please God simply because they warm a pew.
Devotion Rewarded (27-29) – This is the call of God upon our lives. Wholehearted devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to God and His kingdom is rewarded, unfaithfulness to God and His kingdom is punished. How many of God’s people choose to be the third servant? How many churches bury the gifts in the sand that God has given them to share with their community.
Darkness Demanded (30) - God is light, in Him there is no darkness. Away from the Lord's presence is beyond terrible. What a wake up call!
Decisions Must Be Made – Will I use what God has given me to His glory and the benefit of others? Will I anticipate the day and the joy of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Will I take what the Master has given me and bury it in the sand? Will I come up with every excuse in the book as to why I couldn’t and wouldn’t be faithful to my Master? This parable could also serve as a wake up call to Colonial Woods Baptist Church. God is the Master of this church and deserves, demands faithful and loving service until He returns.
My challenge to God’s church tonight is: Will we be found faithful or fearful? Will we have a vision to grow, be renewed, use our gifts, or live for self alone? Perhaps it is time to focus more of our time and efforts into hearing God speak to our hearts clearly about what He’d have done…and then get on board with His plan.
How can I best invest my life in service to the King of Kings?
Spend Time Getting to Your Mater and King Better
Use what God’s given you to advance His Kingdom…now
Refuse to compare yourself with the more talented…be faithful with what He’s given you.
Anticipate hearing the King say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment on the unfaithful servants
Our Response:
1. May we be reminded that God is the King and He has richly blessed each of us with the ability to invest our lives in His kingdom.
2. Let go of things that are keeping you from truly knowing the Lord better and being about His business.
3. Understand that we have nothing to boast or brag about on our own – His amazing grace is what motivates us to faithful service.
4. Put your gifts into practice this week. God gave you gifts for the building up of believers right here at CWBC.
5. May we praise God that our King is coming, our salvation is secure, He is faithful!
Our Heavenly King has given each of us the awesome opportunity to invest our lives, using the gifts and talents He’s invested in us to minister. The best investment of your life is investing back into the King’s service! We will give an account one day of our faithfulness or unfaithfulness… The King of Kings will say, “Well done!” or “Wicked, worthless, wasted.” Which will it be for you?
Distant Journey (14) – The Lord Jesus Christ is in heaven right now, yet He has gifted every single child of His with various gifts (Eph. 4:8). He gives each of us ample time to make use of those gifts and we simply must be obedient to His call upon our lives. This is no time to be goofing off, wasting time, doing our own thing, rather we should be saying, “Lord, how have you gifted me?”
Delegating Talents (15) – God is the One who gives the talents to His people. To one servant, He gave five. To another, He gave two. To yet another, He gave one. We must always remember God is the One who has given us what we have. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “…not your own, bought with a price, glorify God!” Our ultimate accountability is to the Lord.
Differing Talents (15) – Not everyone has the same talent, and that is completely fine. The call is not for us to get jealous about the one who has more talent, rather to be faithful with what God has invested into our own lives! For example, I look at Billy Graham, Dr. James Dobson, Dr. James Merritt, or Dr. Charles Stanley and say, “I will never be as talented as they, can’t preach/teach, have as big ministry or church.” It’s easy to think they are more special in God’s eyes because of what’s been accomplished through them. However, God gives each of us a gift (some five, two, or one). If we are a five, be the five. Two, be the two. One, be the one. He’s not asking for us to become someone else, but to be the unique person He’s created us to be. Also, He’s not looking for our church to be like the mega church down the road, yet, He is looking for us to be faithful with what He’s invested into our lives – to touch others, minister, serve, reach out. We need to take His call upon our lives with all seriousness. The gifts we have belong to the Lord and are to be used for His glory.
Dependable Servants (16 & 17) – These two servants of the Lord did exactly what God had intended for them to do. Both of them used their God given time, talent, treasure, testimony, etc. faithfully. The man with five talents, gained five more. The man with two talents, gained two more. Both of these men doubled their talent treasury. Both of these servants knew they would give an account one day of how they invested their Master’s talents. They could have chosen to say, “Well, thank God, I’m gifted, and that’s enough.” Instead, they took the attitude of, “My Master has invested into my life. Just as He’s invested in me, I will invest into others.” Both servants did not waste time, but immediately began to invest their talents. Some say, “I will get on board with God, one day.” “When the economy gets better, then I’ll give.” “When I’m retired, I’ll begin to think about being a witness for the Lord, etc.” “When I began to feel a little better, I’ll start taking this whole call to serve God a little more seriously.”
Disloyal Servant (18) – In Jesus’ day, to dig a hole and put your valuables in the ground was normally a safe thing. However, the Master had not called His servants to bury their talents, rather to use those talents to gain more. Why did this one talented man do that? Perhaps he saw that others had more and felt like his didn’t really matter. Perhaps he got busy doing so many other things that he forgot about His Master’s purpose? Maybe he said, “Well, my Master is not returning for a long time, I’ll be about His business after taking care of my things first.”
Day of Reckoning (19) – We will give an account to God one day with what He’s given to us – 2 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 14, etc. Thinking of that day ought to motivate each of us to faithfulness to the Lord.
Disciple’s Praised (20-23) – It ought to be the desire of our heart to hear the Lord say of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Even in this life, the greatest thing we can do is give back with a grateful heart for all God has given us. The one who had doubled to ten talents was told the exact same thing the one who had doubled to four, “Well done, enter into the joy of your Lord!” If we are faithful with what God give us, He can entrust more to us. If we are not faithful with the little things, how can He entrust us with more?
Distorted View of God (24-26) – This third servant had the same opportunity as the others, but did not have the proper view of his Master. He said the Master was a “hard man.” Look back at how kind the Master had been to each of the three. He blessed them with what they didn’t naturally have, He gave them plenty of to invest, He praised the first two for their faithfulness. Many people don’t believe God is good, kind, faithful, giving…because of their distorted view of God, they don’t serve Him! The servant also tried to blame the Master of bad character (many people blame God) as the reason for their unfaithfulness. The servant also said, “I was afraid, went and hid your talent in the ground…” The servant is simply full of excuses as to why he could not be found faithful. This is a very selfish way to live. This is a life turned inward, instead of a life lived upward to God in thanksgiving and outward to others in service, ministry.
Description of the servant (26) – “wicked” and “lazy.” Do you understand that you don’t have to be involved in some massive sin, yet the Lord could still say of you, “wicked, lazy servant.” Some people come to church week in and week out, yet never do anything with what they’ve heard. They think they please God simply because they warm a pew.
Devotion Rewarded (27-29) – This is the call of God upon our lives. Wholehearted devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to God and His kingdom is rewarded, unfaithfulness to God and His kingdom is punished. How many of God’s people choose to be the third servant? How many churches bury the gifts in the sand that God has given them to share with their community.
Darkness Demanded (30) - God is light, in Him there is no darkness. Away from the Lord's presence is beyond terrible. What a wake up call!
Decisions Must Be Made – Will I use what God has given me to His glory and the benefit of others? Will I anticipate the day and the joy of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Will I take what the Master has given me and bury it in the sand? Will I come up with every excuse in the book as to why I couldn’t and wouldn’t be faithful to my Master? This parable could also serve as a wake up call to Colonial Woods Baptist Church. God is the Master of this church and deserves, demands faithful and loving service until He returns.
My challenge to God’s church tonight is: Will we be found faithful or fearful? Will we have a vision to grow, be renewed, use our gifts, or live for self alone? Perhaps it is time to focus more of our time and efforts into hearing God speak to our hearts clearly about what He’d have done…and then get on board with His plan.
How can I best invest my life in service to the King of Kings?
Spend Time Getting to Your Mater and King Better
Use what God’s given you to advance His Kingdom…now
Refuse to compare yourself with the more talented…be faithful with what He’s given you.
Anticipate hearing the King say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment on the unfaithful servants
Our Response:
1. May we be reminded that God is the King and He has richly blessed each of us with the ability to invest our lives in His kingdom.
2. Let go of things that are keeping you from truly knowing the Lord better and being about His business.
3. Understand that we have nothing to boast or brag about on our own – His amazing grace is what motivates us to faithful service.
4. Put your gifts into practice this week. God gave you gifts for the building up of believers right here at CWBC.
5. May we praise God that our King is coming, our salvation is secure, He is faithful!
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