How To Treat The Successful Series

2. Faith in the Power of Jesus– he knew Jesus could do it– from a distance! I love how he said, “Just say the word!” That’s faith!

3. Faith in his Personal Response of Jesus. He must of had a sense that Jesus would personally get involved and personally care. So He prayed. Got Problems? Take it to Jesus. Know of someone hurting, tell it to Jesus.

B. He was a success because of His Impeccable Character.....

1. Compassion. Now this soldier’s request is an interesting one. He doesn’t ask for healing for himself. He asks for his servant. Compassion is often express through intercessory prayer. Want to check your compassion level? Check the frequency of your prayers for the needs of others? The centurion was not your typical master, owner, or boss. He was foremost a brother, a friend, and a neighbor to the servant. He did not stand aloof, stand back, or stand around doing nothing. Though they were from different worlds and lived separate lives. Class, rank or wealth did not define their relationship. He had great compassion for his workers. What a boss!

2. Humility. And notice his humble attitude. Here’s a Green Beret with Humility. He said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. “ One of the best illustration of humility I have seen is during a chapel service the speaker was introduced and invited to the platform. As the guest speaker was approaching the platform the audience was wild with applause, and the guest speaker looked around for the person for whom the audience is applauding.

C. He was a success because of His Immediate Obedience.....

A. Jesus said, “Go!” and he went. In a Christian world-view, obedience to Jesus determines success. The foundational Bible verse for my ministry is John 8:31– where Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” He also said in John 15– “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” Here’s the question..... Are you living in obedience to Christ?

B. Good News-- Jesus will always help those who come to him in humility, submit to his authority and ready to obey his every word. I want to encourage you today to help those who are successful, to be even more successful. And I want to make sure you’re headed for success as well.

The Duke: It was related that once when the Duke of Wellington remained to take communion, a very poor old man went up to the opposite aisle, and reaching the Communion table, knelt down close by the side of the Duke. (Immediately, tension and commotion interrupted the silence of the church.) Someone came and touched the poor man on the shoulder, and whispered to him, “Rise and wait until the Duke has taken!” But the eagle eye and the quick ear of the great commander caught the meaning of that touch and that whisper. He clasped the old man’s hand and held him to prevent his rising; and in a reverential but distinct undertone, the Duke said, “Do not move; we are equal here.” (Pulpit Helps 3/91)

Listen, Success has nothing to do with externals, but has everything to do with internals like Faith, Character and Compassion! Pray..