God Doesn't Expect Us To Do Everything Ourselves

GOD DOESN’T EXPECT US

TO DO EVERYTHING OURSELVES

Exodus 18:13-24, I Cor. 12:14-27, Matt. 9:1-38, Acts 6:1-7

Dr. David L. Haun

Hope Christian Church, May 9, 2004

Have you ever had an inspector climb down from your attic or up from the foundation of your house with the dreaded news, “You’re infested with termites?” If you have, you’ve perhaps experienced the inconvenience of moving out of your house as the termite company comes to tent or drill with poison. I recently read some intriguing facts about termites. I felt their story added insight to our Scripture readings today and our church’s organization in Christ’s ministry.

A. Some facts about termites.

1. Among tiniest creatures on earth, but they cause more damage

than all other human disasters.

2. Cannot exist alone. Live in colonies, from 100 to one million.

3. Each termite has a specific task. Each is needed and needs others. One cannot live or work alone.

4. Given time, and a colony, burrow through wood till nothing left.(1)

B. Scripture read this morning from book of Exodus.

I. THE DILEMMA WITHIN MOSES (13-18)

A. He thought he was indispensable.

“If you want it done right, do it yourself.”

I Kings 19:14,18. Elijah, Prophets of Baal, Jezebel, Elijah complained that he was alone - God had ignored him. God reminded that 7000 remained faithful. God had chosen Elijah from a large number available. That’s true of us.

B. His attitude was a disservice to the people.

1. Robbed them of their chance to serve and grow.

2. Their abilities were not used.

3. God’s effort was, therefore, given less than best.

C. He was trying an impossible goal.

In Matthew 9, Jesus is involved in a day busy with teaching, healing, attacks by opponents and calls for prayers. At the end of the day, he gathers with his disciples and said: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt 9:37-38

Charles Schulz, the cartoonist of the Peanuts series, in his book Take My Religion Seriously, drew a strip of a boy wearing a long coat that has pins and medals filling the right side of the coat. He explained his awards to an admirer who was staring in disbelief at his pins: "These are perfect attendance pins,” he said. He then began pointing to each one identifying its meaning.

This is for:

Sunday School,

Youth Fellowship,

Youth leader training,

Youth work night

Men’s brotherhood, men’s work nights,

Youth missions,

Youth recreation,

Vacation Bible school,

Bible camp,

Youth Bible camp,

City youth camp,

Country youth camp,

State youth camp,

International youth camp, and

Choir practice.¨

And he added, “I haven’t been home in three months!” (2)

Schultz illustrates the dilemma within Moses, and which can appear within us.

II. THE ANSWER OF MOSES’ FATHER-IN-LAW, JETHRO (Exodus 18:19-26)

A. God’s leadership needs to share Responsibility

First Century Church, and the appointment of Deacons (Acts 6:2-4)

B. Moses’ coworkers are to be Qualified

1. Capable - have ability.

2. Fear God - Spirituality

3. Trustworthy - Honest, integrity

4. Hate dishonest gain - Not driven by greed or money.

C. In Acts, the deacons are to be qualified

1. Well respected.

2. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

3. Wise.

Paul’s letter to Timothy II Tim 3:1-2, 7, 14

3:1, But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2, People will ... [have] a form of godliness but deny its power. ... 7, Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

14, But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.

D. Those serving must see their role as “Called by God,” rather than merely accomplishing a task.

1. The understanding that faithful service results in Blessing of God

2. Be Sensitive to the will of God. Trust and praise...

Angeles Arren wrote a short article titled “The Flying V.” In the fall of the year, geese head south for the winter. If you have ever seen their journey, you have noticed them flying along in a V formation, and you might wonder why.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation, the whole flock has at least a 71 % greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. . When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels that drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies pointed at the head.