SERMONS ON SERVICE

THE CALL TO THE MINISTRY AND TO THE MISSION FIELD IN PARTICULAR–EPHESIANS 4:11-12

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THE CALL TO THE MINISTRY AND
TO THE MISSION FIELD IN PARTICULAR

EPHESIANS 4:11-12, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Introduction:

I cannot tell you how you will know that God is calling you into the ministry. I can tell you that you will know if He is calling you into the ministry. I can show you from the Scriptures some things about God’s call to the ministry, but only you can tell me if God is calling you to the ministry.

To which area of the ministry God might call you is as complex as the call to the ministry in general. However, the Scriptures limits those areas a bit today as we will see as we go alone through these discussions.

I. IT IS GOD WHO…

A. CALLS, 2 Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”

B. CHOOSES, John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

C. SENDS, John 17:18, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”

II. IT IS MAN WHO…
A. RESPONDS to God’s call.

1. To be a Pastor, Ephesians 4:11, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

2. To be a Missionary (Evangelist).

3. To be a Layman. Everyone has this call.

B. SUBMITS to God’s will.

1. Jesus gave us the example, Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”

2. Our Lord was determined that nothing would prevent Him from doing God’s will, Matthew 26:42, “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

C. GOES wherever He leads.

1. It may require some sacrifice, in fact, I guarantee you that it will, Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

2. It may require you to go to another city, state or even another country, Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

3. It may require you to leave your friends and loved ones behind, Matthew 10:37-38, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

III. IT IS GOD WHO WORKS.
A. God works through the man.

1. God’s work is not through the energy of the flesh, John 15:4-5, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

2. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah 4:6, “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

B. God has not called man to success, but to faithfulness, 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

1. Faithfulness is our responsibility.

a. Timothy was a faithful servant of God, 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

b. Epaphras was a faithful minister of God in the Church at Colosse, Colossians 1:7, “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;”

2. Success is linked to the Word of God in our life, Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

THE BELIEVER – MASTER OR SERVANT?–I CHRONICLES 28:1; I CORINTHIANS 4:1-2

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THE BELIEVER – MASTER OR SERVANT?
I CHRONICLES 28:1; I CORINTHIANS 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2- Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Introduction:
The world teaches that man is the master of his life. If that is true, there are a lot of people in trouble today. On the other hand the Bible has something different to say about the man or woman who has received Christ as his or her Saviour. It would be good for us to consider God’s teaching on this matter.
Is the believer master of his life or is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s examine what the Lord says.

I. WHO IS THE MASTER?

A. God, the Creator, is the Master, the giver of life, Genesis 2:7, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

1. Physical life, God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;’
2. Spiritual life, “man became a living soul.”
B. To the Believer
1. He is God the Father—“Abba Father,” Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
2. He is God the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
a. He gave us spiritual life, Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
b. He made us sons of God by faith in His name, John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
3. He is God the Holy Spirit, The Comforter, John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
a. The believer is indwelled by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
b. The believer is led by the Spirit of God, Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
c. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities, Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
d. We are totally dependent on Him, Psalm 103:2-5, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

II. WHO IS THE SERVANT? THE BELIEVER!

A. He is the servant of the Lord, Matthew 10:24-25a, “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.

1. The disciple is to be like his Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
2. The servant is to be like his Lord, faithful, Matthew 24:45-47, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.”
B. He is the administrator of the Kings possessions, 1 Chronicles 28:1, “And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.”
1. The princes of the tribes.
2. The captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course.
3. The captains over the thousands.
4. The captains over the hundreds.
5. The stewards over all the substance and possession of the king.
C. These are faithful stewards of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
1. These servants use the talents that God has given them, 1 Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
2. They are faithful servants, 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”
3. These are happy servants of the Lord, John 13:16-17, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
CONCLUSION
Man is not his own master. The Lord is and those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ have found that serving the Lord is not a heavy burden.
The faithful servant is a happy man and continues to follow the lead of His Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED, WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?–PSALM 11:3; ISAIAH 58:12-14

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THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED, WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?

PSALM 11:3; ISAIAH 58:12-14
Introduction:
Today the foundations of Christianity are being tested by those around us. They are looking to see what you and I are going to do. Some Christians will cave in to the pressures of society. Some already have. While other believers will be strengthened in their resolve to server the Lord. The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:13, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” In the verses following he lists the array of equipment available to the believer.
Are we up to the task? Yes, with the help of God. Let us examine what the Scriptures say about what is happening and what we should do for the glory of God.
I. IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED
A. Some concerning the truth have erred, 2 Tim. 2:16-18, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17-And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18-Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
B. Some will not understand because they walk in darkness, Psalm 82:5, “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.”
1. They are workers of iniquity who have no knowledge of the Lord, Psalm 53:4-5, “Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God. 5-There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.”
2. They walk in the darkness of unbelief, Proverbs 2:13-15, “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14-Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15-Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:” [froward = stubbornly contrary and disobedient]
C. Some will have their faith overthrown, 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
1. This is not to say that they are lost, but deceived by “deceitful workers,” 2 Cor. 11:13-14, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14-And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
2. It is because of a lack of knowledge of the Word of God that they are led astray, 2 Tim. 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
a. They fell to an example of unbelief [disobedience], Hebrews 4:11, “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
b. “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
II. “WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?”
A. Serve the Lord: Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24-Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ”
1. With gladness, Psalm 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
2. Serve the LORD with fear, Psalm 2:11, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
B. Trust the Lord,
1. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, Psalm 4:5, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”
2. Do good, Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
3. Delight thyself also in the LORD, Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
4. Commit thy way unto the LORD, Psalm 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
a. Cast your burden upon the LORD, Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
b. Your take His burden, Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
c. He will establish you thoughts, Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

CONCLUSION

While the foundations of our faith are being challenged they will never be destroyed. We have the promise of the Word of God, 1 Peter 1:24-25, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25-But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”