Six Keys To Good Work

TEXT:  John 9:4; 2 Tim. 2:15

INTRODUCTION:

A.  JESUS EXPECT US TO WORK (John 9:4).

          1.  God does his work through us (Phil. 2:12-13).

          2.  Redeemed for this purpose (Eph. 2:10;  Titus 2:14).

B.  HERE ARE 6 KEYS TO BEING A GOOD WORKER … BUT FIRST:

I.      WHY DON’T SOME PARTICIPATE?  HERE ARE SOME GUESSES.

A.  THE ABSENCE OF TRUE CONVERSION – NO CHANGE OR NEW BIRTH.

B.  A WRONG VIEW OF THE CHURCH.

          1.  An agency that exists for the sole purpose of serving members.  Members view

                   themselves as customers who must be pleased.

          2.  As only existing during the worship periods.  That is where the work is done.

C.  A MISUNDERSTANDING OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY (Rom. 12:3-8).

          1.  “I don’t want to be involved.”

          2.  Gal. 6:1.  Those who are “spiritual” realize the necessity of “gentle involvement.”

          3.  The cause of Christ becomes secondary to self – comfort, security, PRIDE of GRACE.

D.  A FAILURE TO COMMIT

          1.  Committed people make a difference – Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua.

          2.  2 Tim. 1:12.  What has Jesus promised to protect?

II.     THE SIX KEYS.

A.  A POWERFUL FAITH.

          1.  Whose choice are we to do this work (Eph. 2:10;  Phil. 2:13).

          2.  Hesitancy kills initiative (Ecc. 11:4;  Matt. 17:14-21).

          3.  Real faith compels and propels (James 2:24;  Matt. 19:26;  Phil. 4:13).

B.  A JOYFUL HEART (Phil. 4:4).

          1.  The reward for our work is certain (John 14:1-3;  1 Cor. 15:58;  Rev. 14:13)

          2.  Even the smallest work (Matt. 10:42).

          3.  Joy in a higher, nobler cause (James 5:19-20)  No more “like a rolling stone.”

C.  A CONSTANT CONVERSATION WITH GOD (1 Thess. 5:17).

          1.  We are supposed to pray for opportunity (Col. 4:3-4).

          2.  Prayer effects outcome (James 5:16).

D.  GENUINE LOVE (Rom. 12:9:  1 John 3:18).

          1.  For the Lord (John 14:15;  Mark 16:15). 

                   a.  We want to share what we are exited about (John 1:41-46;  4:28-30).

                   b.  How excited are we?

          2.  For the Word (Psa. 119:105)

                   a.  It is the word of God (1 Thess. 2:13).

                   b.  Our source of life (John 6:68;  3:32;  James 1:22).

          3.  For our neighbor.

                   a.  The purpose of Jesus (Luke 19:10).

                   b.  The mind of Paul (Rom. 9:1-3;  10:1).

E.  PERSISTENT EFFORT.

          1.  Some examples:

                   a.  Noah (Gen. 6:3).

                   b.  Jeremiah (Jer. 20:7-9).

                   c.  Paul (Acts 20:31;  1 Cor. 1:14-17;  3:6).

          2.  What if we don’t succeed? 

                   a.  Whittling on the wrong end of the stick.

                   b.  God’s answer to “But it’s too hard!”  (Gal. 6:9).

F.  KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE.

          1.  Know your product (2 Tim. 2:15).

          2.  Be ready! (1 Pet. 3:15)

          3.  Grow (2 Pet. 3:18).

          4.  A source of shame (Heb. 5:12).

III.    WHAT CAN I DO?

A.  SOME SUGGESTIONS:

          1.  Teach someone the gospel.  Invite them to services, Bible study, programs.  Make

                   definite plans to watch and listen with them.

          2.  Help with the grounds – appearance and function are important.

          3.  Hospitality – visitors, meeting preachers, one another.

          4.  Adopt a shut in.  Visit the sick and elderly.

          5.  Show concern for the weak and erring.

          6.  Help in visible service – worship.  Women can teach classes.

          7.  Be ready to step in and take someone’s place.

B.  BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE,  BE HERE.

C.  IF YOU ARE SERIOUS, ASK ME.

CONCLUSION:

A.  WE ALL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY.

B.  WE CAN DO BETTER.

C.  LET’S MAKE SURE WHO WE ARE WORKING FOR.