Find a Work
Categories: Topical Sermon OutlinesIntroduction:
1. Recently I received a note in the suggestion box that reads: “A sermon on Are We Doing God’s Will? Or Are We Lukewarm or Have We Left Our First Love? We should find a work no matter how small or great and do it with all our might. Yes we hear this over and over and over but do we think the Lord is not talking to each and every one of us? It seems that we think and act as if we think someone else will do that task hence it usually doesn’t get done.”
2. My apologies to the author if you didn’t want the note read. However:
1) It reveals this concern in a way that I cannot.
2) It is a powerful call to Christian service.
3. This hour I am simply going to expand on this note and ask:
1) Are we doing God’s will in our Christian service?
2) Are we lukewarm?
3) Have we left our first love?
4) Have we found a work to do?
5) Do we wait for someone else to do what we can do?
DISCUSSION:
I. ARE WE DOING GOD’S WILL IN OUR CHRISTIAN SERVICE?
1. We must bear fruit, John 15:4, 8.
2. Created, ordained to good works, Eph. 2:10.
3. What do you do in word? In deed? (Col. 3:17)
4. Does your life of service look anything like your Lord’s? A life of service and teaching? (Acts 1:1)
5. Anything like the apostles? Remember Matt. 28:20.
II. ARE WE LUKEWARM?
1. “Lukewarm” found one time in Scripture, Rev. 3:16.
1) We learn that it’s bad to be lukewarm.
2) Rev. 3:19 gives us the clearest view of what it means – the zeal is gone!
3) If you’re lukewarm, be zealous and repent.
2. How do we know if we’re lukewarm?
1) Nothing gets done, we’re all talk.
2) Do we work like Nehemiah?
3) Do we defend holiness like Phinehas?
4) Do we fight like David?
5) Do we trust like Job?
6) Do we obey like Noah?
3. Col. 3:23
III. HAVE WE LEFT OUR FIRST LOVE?
1. It is always a danger that we care more for our own comfort than the things of God.
2. Lack of zeal indicates a lack of love.
3. Hag. 1:1-11. (Bag with holes)
IV. HAVE WE FOUND A WORK TO DO?
1. When we are at home no one has to tell us what needs to be done.
1) Special guest may be coming. Think, what will that guest need?
a. House refreshing to the eye.
b. Comfortable, orderly, relaxing.
c. Cleanliness needs.
d. Liquid refreshment.
e. Appropriate food for the time of day.
2) Every man here knows what needs to be done at his home. You could give me a list. Lawn, animal care, gutters, garage…
2. WE KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.
1) The building must be prepared for worship. Inside and out.
2) Children must be taught.
3) Sick checked on.
4) Shut-in visited.
5) Hungry fed.
6) Services attended.
7) Neighbors invited.
8) Erring restored.
9) Personal work.
3. We need to eliminate, “Someone needs to…” thinking. If you see a need and you can fill it, DO IT.
V. DO WE WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO WHAT WE CAN DO?
1. Does that work at home?
2. Don’t wait for a committee.
3. See the need.
4. Roll up your sleeves.
5. Get out a tub of gumption and a bucket of elbow grease.
6. Do the work with zeal.
Conclusion:
1. I hope there were many here that were waiting for that same sermon.
2. Perhaps it frees you to stir up your zeal.
3. Perhaps it has awakened you to your need to repent.
4. Perhaps it will comfort you when you see others really do care.
5. The goal is Heaven. The cause is Christ. The work is His work. The responsibility is ours.
6. I have never heard anyone say, “I regret having done all that work for the Lord.”