Last Wednesday night we talked about several ways to witness and talk to others, and this morning is a continuation of that message in how our witness translates to the work of the ministry.
I have found some sayings from various places around the web that seem to apply to almost any situation, but I have tried to personalize them a bit.
It has been said that Christians today are some of the most active, loving, caring, and generous people in their community.
It has been said that Christians bring unto themselves rewards for the work they do in this life in the Kingdom of God.
It has been said that Christians often act as if they are “holy than thou” to their friends and companions, especially other Christians.
It has been said that Christians think they are too busy to be more involved in soul winning and being about Church Business.
It has been said that all Christians should be totally committed to church ministries – to reaching the lost in our community.
It has been said that in church ministries 20% of the people accomplish 80% of the work.
So, let me ask you, do any of these apply to your thinking or where you are in your walk with the Lord?
If you have your bibles this morning, turn them to 2nd Timothy, Chapter 2, we will look at several verses beginning in Verse 14 through Verse 26
Read Passage
Pray
In the beginning I gave examples of “others” thinking and common sayings or opinions – have you ever thought of where you fit in the picture of being a Workman for the Lord? Today we are going to look at what God’s Word says about being involved in the Lord’s business, and what are actions should be as we are called to do His work!
What is a Workman?
2 Tim 2:15 I think best describes what a workman is … in God’s eyes and as it relates to Kingdom business. It says to “present yourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.”
When it refers to being not ashamed, I feel it speaking to me to not be ashamed to get involved, to be proud to give of your self. To sacrifice some of our own personal time and be involved in Ministry Concerns.
Some people believe the old saying of “Well, I tithe, isn’t that enough?” Tithing is in obedience to God’s Word about giving 10% of your first-fruits … but there is more to be done!
You might ask and I know I ask this all the time, “How do I find the time? I have none to spare!”
In my own life when I allow God to be first, He makes time for me to accomplish everything else that is asked of me. True, honoring and having time for my family is important to me, but God himself allows me to do that by bringing honor to them by doing His work, and He rewards me with more quality time for them!
Remember that we are to “be about the Father’s Business?”
If you look at the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), it shows us that going out and winning the lost, or making disciples or all men, IS the Father’s Business!
Now, Matthew 25:13 tells us to “keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” that the Lord will return. So we need to be busy with His work that He has laid out for us to do!
By keeping watch, we should not be sitting idly by and waiting for His return, but be busy with His work so He can be pleased to see His servants accomplishing what He started when He left!
Let me remind you of the “Parable of the Talents. (Matt 25:14-30)”
Remember the one servant who did nothing with what the master gave him? What did the master do? He took the talent away from him … as will the Lord if we do not use the talents He has given us!
Well, that is what a workman is … so how can you be a workman?
How Can I be an Approved Workman?
2 Tim 2:22-26 describes for us the tasks to apply to our lives.
To paraphrase the section it tells us to:
- Flee the evil desires of youth
- Pursue Righteousness
- Pursue Faith, Love, and Peace
- Avoid stupid and foolish arguments (Gossip is usually the root)
- A Lord’s servant must not quarrel
- A Lord’s servant must be kind to everyone
- A Lord’s servant must be able to teach, and not resentful (because someone may be different)
- Be able to gently instruct, (which means to use tact), for God to grant repentance (by showing where we may be in error)
You know, there is a way to tell someone to go fly a kite, and have that person look forward to it? (Tell about a beautiful day, picnic lunch. kite flying suggestion…)
God is simply looking for a WILLING VESSEL to accomplish His work here on Earth. If you will be willing to follow His will, then He will help transform your life to apply these principles – which will allow you to focus on Kingdom work and not on yourself.
God knows where you fit into the scheme of His plan, you don’t. So trust Him! The talents He gave you, YES, THAT HE GAVE YOU, make you fit into a church … but your brokenness to His will and desires is what makes you fit!
So, let’s look at some application in our lives!
Application to our Lives – Are you A Workman?
First, ask yourself if you are willing to be involved?
Second, are you going to allow yourself to be a willing vessel for His Business?
Let’s look at both answers to these questions … YES and NO
If the answer is yes, then you need to begin to seek where it is that you can apply your talents … through time in prayer!
God’s Will, unfortunately to us, can sometimes appear very vague to our understanding, and not clearly shown to us … unless we earnestly seek and ask!
Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Now, is there something that is keeping you from even asking the question of the Lord? Maybe you don’t have the time to even begin to devote to ministry items … well then let me ask you, “Where does your time come from?” Can’t it be said that the time we have on this Earth is FROM the Lord?
This leads me into saying, if the answer to the question is “No, I cannot be involved” … then I ask you “What is holding you back?”
That is something that you have to answer for yourself as I don’t know what it is, but let me ask three pivotal questions on the subject.
- What is it that the Lord has given you to do that you have not done?
- Have you spent time in prayer with the Lord over the use of your talents?
- Have you read His word and let it speak to you on what you should be doing?
Finally, let me give you one more scripture that may give you thought to focus on what God’s will is for you in the church.
It is an easy one to remember …
The King James says it best in John 3:30 “He must increase and I must decrease”
So, if you allow Him to increase in you by searching His word and spending time with Him … He’ll take care of your time issues and that is the beginning of showing brokenness to His will, not your own!
So let me close by asking … will you obey His calling on your life towards working in His business?
Close in Prayer
