Saved To Serve Sermon – The Christian Must Be Willing To Work
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION:
A. As we continue to study the significance of Christianity, we need to realize that:
1. Every right implies a responsibility
2. Every opportunity implies an obligation
3. Every possession implies a duty
B. Enjoying a Christian relationship with God involves accepting the responsibilities inherent in that relationship
1. Duty without doctrine is like a tree without roots
2. But doctrine without duty is like a tree without fruit
C. A Christian is a person called to God’s service
1. 1 Thessalonians 1:9
2. We are obligated to fulfill our individual service
3. Colossians 4:17
DISCUSSION: (Discussion of this saved to serve sermon.)
A. The Kingdom of Those Saved to Serve is a Realm of Activity
1. This fact is seen in the various designations used to describe Christians:
a. “Branch” (Jn. 15:1-8) that bears fruit
b. “Farmer” (2 Cor. 9:6) that plants
c. “Soldier” (2 Tim. 2:3-4) that wars
d. “Athlete” (1 Cor. 9:24-27) that runs
e. “Member” (Rom. 12:3-8) that using his talents
2. As Christians we are to be:
a. “Fruitful” (Mt. 13:1-9) — Colossians 1:10
b. “Useful” (2 Tim. 2:20-21)
c. “Profitable” (2 Tim. 4:11)
d. In all this we should see that Christians are a part of a kingdom of activity
3. A Christian’s aim should be to do God’s will
a. Notice Jesus’ attitude — John 6:38 – is this true of us?
b. Doing God’s will pleases God- 2 Corinthians 5:9
c. A non-active Christian puts his soul in jeopardy (Mt. 25:31-46)
d. The spiritual “freeloader” who is “just along for the ride” will be sadly disappointed – Matthew 7:21
e. Unused abilities/opportunities will eventually be withdrawn – Isaiah 5:1-7
f. We are responsible for doing what we can – Mark 14:8
B. If We Are Saved To Serve We Are To Be Workers
1. Christians are identified as:
a. “Workers”
1) 1 Thessalonians 1:3
2) 2 Timothy 2:15
b. “Laborers”
1) Matthew 9:37-38
2) John 6:27
2. A Christian’s activity must consist of
a. “Work for the Lord”- 1 Corinthians 15:58
b. “Good works”
1) Matthew 5:16
2) 1 Peter 2:12
3) Jesus went about “doing good” (Acts 10:38)
4) God is able to – Hebrews 13:21
3. We need to be honest with ourselves, and asks questions concerning our abilities and opportunities
a. Concerning our abilities we need to ask:
1) In what ways am I especially blessed by God?
2) What do I posses that might be used in the Lord’s work?
3) What do I derive fulfillment from doing?
4) What do I enjoy doing?
5) What comes naturally for me?
6) What might I learn to do?
b. Concerning our opportunities we need to ask:
1) What needs to be done in the Lord’s work?
2) What scriptural restrictions govern the work?
3) What other factors may limit my opportunity?
4) What is now being done inadequately?
5) What problems exist that need to be solved?
6) What are others doing that I need to help do?
4. We need to develop certain attitudes concerning our Christian work:
a. Gratitude for the privilege – 1 Timothy 1:12
b. Initiative, willing to work without having to be prodded–1 Timothy 4:12
c. Be positive — Philippians 2:14
d. Enthusiasm, as an example note – 2 Corinthians 9:7
e. A mind to work (Neh. 4:6) “The world is full of willing people: some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.”
f. Persistent – Galatians 6:9
Finally in this saved to serve sermon we see:
C. If We Are Saved to Serve We Are To Be Servants
1. There are five different Greek words used in the New Testament that emphasize this fact:
a. mimetes (follower) – Ephesians 5:1
b. maqatas (disciple) – John 8:31
c. oiknomos (steward) – 1 Peter 4:10
d. diakonos (minister) – Romans 16:1
e. doulos (servant) – Luke 17:10
2. What does being a servant mean?
a. Servanthood is an outward evidence of a shift in focus away from self – it is seen in action — Matthew 22:37-40
b. Being a servant is to be a way of life – not just an occasional good deed
1) It is to be a vocation
2) Involves an entire frame of mind – Philippians 2:4-7
c. Being a servant is an investment in people, rather than things
d. Servanthood is a sacrifice – it costs
1) Inconvenience is nearly always a part of the cost — 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
2) Yet, yielding one’s rights is the very essence of servanthood- 1 Corinthians 9:19
e. Servanthood is a privilege
1) Helping others must never be a burden to us
2) We need the attitude of Paul as we serve – 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
3. Hindrances to Servanthood
a. Serving the wrong master — Matthew 6:24
b. Limiting when and who we serve
c. Negligence – Hebrews 6:11-12
d. Pride and self-centeredness
4. The greatness of Servanthood
a. Is seen in the action of Jesus – Matthew 20:28
b. True greatness consist in serving others — Matthew 20:25-27
c. Servanthood is rewarded
1) Acts 20:35
2) Opens doors for the gospel -2 Corinthians 4:5
CONCLUSION: (Ending of this saved to serve sermon.)
A. The Christian is to be at God’s disposal
B. The Christian’s work/service is a part of the joy of being in Christ
1. Proverbs 11:24-25
2. “The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing”
C. As servants we must:
1. Plan, set goals for our work and service
2. Prepare — Ecclesiastes 10:10
3. Engage ourselves in activity
4. Finish what we start
D. Judgment will involve an accounting of our use of potential
E. We must influence one another to want to be active – Hebrews 10:24-25