Pursuing Personal Purity

1 John 3:1-3

Theme: God encourages us to Pursue Personal Purity with the hope of Christ’s coming for us in the Rapture.

The Sons of God Practice Righteousness and Shun Sinfulness (1Jn. 3:1-10). John is concentrating on sonship—God’s children or family. He emphasizes being “born of God” (see 3:9; 4:7; 5:4). Recall in John 3 the apostle emphasized the theme “God is love” (4:8, 16). Here he articulates that a true child of God will prove his spiritual birth by practicing righteousness and shunning sin—being obedient to God’s Word.

God Encourages Us to Live Right with the Hope of Christ’s Coming (1Jn. 3:1-3). Through faith we are now God’s children. When Jesus appears we will be completely like Him. As we keep His promise of transformation in view, and fix our desire on the goal of perfection, we will grow in purity here and now (3:1–3).  There are three motivations John uses to inspire progress in growth: the love of God, Christ’s return, and Christ’s purity.

God’s Amazing Love Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:1). 

Consider the Love of God that Brought Us into His Family in the Past. The thought of being born of God arrests John with wonder, and he invites us to “behold” God’s love also.   He beckons to us to stand in awe at the particular kind of wonderful love that brought us into the family of God. Such a lavish display of love should stimulate a life of righteous obedience to God.

God’s Love is from Out of This World! The phrase, “What manner of” actually means, “from what country, race or tribe?” and denotes something out of this world.

The phrase “what manner of” refers of something foreign. ““Behold, what foreign-kind of love” is literally what John writes.”—Wiersbe  

The love of God is foreign to the human race. It is not found naturally in humanity. When it exists there, it is in a saved individual, and by reason of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Smith suggests, “from what far realm? What unearthly love,… how other-worldly.” –Wuest

The Bible gives Us a Snap Shot Description of God’s Love.

God's love is forgiving (Luke 15:7).

God's love is beyond measure (Rom 8:38-39).

God's love is eternal (Jer. 31:3).  

God's love is sacrificial (John 3:16).  

God's love is inexhaustible (Ps 136:1).

I pray these appealing words will minister to you as they extol the profound truth of Christ’s out-of-this-world love for each of us. Beloved allow these words to move you to awe even now.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul. –What Wondrous Love is This

God’s Love Established Us as Sons of God! In the Bible the word “called” indicates that this is what we actually are!  We are (“called to be saints,” lit., “called holy” [1 Cor. 1:2]). Believers are “called the sons of God” because we are the born-ones of “the Father.”

God could have saved us without making us sons of God. But the manner of God’s love is shown in that he brought us into His family as children. Beloved, contemplate the greatness of the divine love (Jer. 33:3; Jn 15:9; Rev. 1:5, 6)!

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—the saints’ and angels’ song. –Frederick M. Lehman: The Love Of God

God will give us the power and strength to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ truly is (Eph. 3:17-19). We must pray for such enlightenment and strength! Christ’s love is an immense concept to be comprehended. Yet God wants us to know experientially the love of Christ that supersedes all knowledge (Phil. 4:7). The more a Christian knows Christ, the more amazed he is at Christ’s love for him.   Stand with John in amazement of God’s love.  Appreciate the fact that God’s love is expressed to you, that Christians are included in His family. God loves you believer, whether you are weak or well or strong. The Lord Jesus on the night of His betrayal loved His own; “having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13:1). He still loves you also!

God’s Love Suffered the Cross of Calvary for Sinners! Paul had this idea in mind when he wrote Rom. 5:6–10.

John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Not father or mother has loved you as God has, for it was that you might be happy He gave His only Son. When He bowed His head in the death hour, love solemnized [made official] its triumph; the sacrifice there was complete.—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 “Behold” (1Jn. 3:1) this wonderful display of love! “Behold” means to look in order to perceive, understand or know more fully! God wants us to grasp and appreciate His awesome display of love toward us. Don’t ignore it or take it for granted. Instead focus and concentrate on it as a motivating power in your heart! Reflect often on the wondrous love of Christ!

Love is the greatest motive in the world, and if we understand God’s love, we will obey His Word. “If ye love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). –Weirsbe

It was Isaac Watts who wrote the great hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.  In the last stanza he wrote, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

God’s Love Is In Stark Contrast To The Love Of The World (3:1).

The world loves those who love them, while God loves even those who disobey Him. Of course, the world has no understanding of this love, and the world hates us. So as we journey from day to day, the world does not recognize us as children of God. The people of the world do not understand us or the way we behave.

Remember, the world did not understand the Lord Jesus when He was here on earth. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ¹¹ He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:10-11). Since we have the same characteristics as the Lord Jesus, we cannot expect the world to understand us, either. They do not know Christ, so they cannot know Christ’s family.

Christ’s Appearance in the Rapture Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:2). 

Consider the Hope of Transformation at Christ’s Coming in the Future. The fact that we are presently the sons of God, guarantees our future glory through the rapture (3:2).  Our future glorification has not yet been revealed, but we are confident that when Christ is revealed, we shall be 

like Him. Our perception is purely spiritual; there is no physical evidence of this that any eye can see.

What we are now in Christ is wonderful; but what we shall be is even more wonderful!

Jesus Christ will Appear as Promised!

         1.      1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

        2.      2 Peter 3:11, Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

        3.      2 Peter 3:14, Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Christ Gives Us the Anticipation of Complete Transformation—“We shall be like Him.”

This does not mean that we will be physically like Jesus in heaven. The Lord Jesus will have His own definite appearance, and will bear the scars of Calvary throughout eternity. Each of us, we believe, will have his own distinct features and will be recognizable as such. The Bible does not teach that everyone will look alike in heaven.

However, we will be morally like the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be free from the possibility of defilement, sin, sickness, sorrow, and death. This means inheriting a glorified body like His body (Phil. 3:20–21) and sharing in His eternal glory (John 17:24).

And how will this marvelous transformation be accomplished? (1Jn. 3:2)

       1.   When the Rapture Trumpet Sounds! (1 Cor. 15:52-54)

       2.    When We Finally See Jesus!

The answer is that one look at Christ will bring it to pass. “For we shall see Him as He is.” The physical changes in Christians await the coming of Christ. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him (Phil. 3:21). This transformation will result from seeing Him!

Here in life, the process of becoming like Christ is going on, as we behold Him by faith in the Word of God (2Cor. 3:17-18). But then the process will be absolutely complete when we see Him as He is: for to see Him is to be like Him.

Christ’s Purity Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:3). 

Consider how the Purity of Christ Stimulates Personal Purification Today.  

Christ is Pure!

       1.      Hebrews 7:26, For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

       2.      1 Peter 2:22, Who [Jesus] did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

       3.      John 19:4, Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them [Jews], Behold, I bring him [Jesus] forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

      4.       Luke 23:41, And we [thieves] indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man [Jesus] hath done nothing amiss.

       5.      2 Cor 5:21, For he [God] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

       6.      Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

       7.      1 John 4:17, Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (Also 1John 2:2; 3:5; Rev. 3:7)

Christ is Coming; therefore, Purify Yourself.

Believers who really have this hope and expect Christ to return will obey His Word and keep their lives clean.  They are not difficult to recognize! Their pure walk identifies them! (Eph. 5:1-13; Gal. 5:14-26)

We shall see Him “as He is,” but we must also “walk, even as He walked” (see 1Jn. 2:6) and do “righteous, even as He is righteous” (1Jn. 3:7).

We are expected to purify ourselves—“everyone that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself,” that is, keep our hearts clean (2 Cor. 7:1; 1Jn. 1:7-9). New life results in continuous purification from sins as we anticipate meeting Christ Who is perfectly pure (Heb. 7:26; 1Jn. 4:17).

This is what God expects of us as believers—Christ is our standard.  Not some believer who is stumbling and failing constantly, but Jesus Christ the Righteous Himself! Our perception of His purity and conception of biblical purity will drive our own quest and yearning for purity. The clearer our view of Christ’s purity, the greater purity of life we will strive for.  But if our estimation of Christ is deficient, then our desire for chastity of life will be greatly deficient.  It is not wise to compare ourselves with each other as a standard of righteousness, it is best to compare yourself with the spotless Son of God in His brilliant spotlessness.

What Do You Mean, "I'm Lost?"

Luke 19:9, 10

Theme:  man is lost because human history, our own conscious, the absence of real satisfaction, the Cross of Christ, and the Bible all consistently declare this message in concert.

Relevance: much of the world has erroneously concluded that, mankind is not lost and therefore has no need of salvation.  The following information will help us understand how God views humanity and what arguments we can use to convince people or help them realize their woefully lost condition.

And Jesus said unto him [Zacchaeus], This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:9–10, KJV)

Introduction:

Undeniably, Zacchaeus has been converted to faith in Christ and this passage records this glorious development! In fact “salvation” came for him that very day even though he was a Jewish tax collector. Furthermore his conversion underscores the reason—the primary mission—Jesus Christ entered this earthly existence. Our Lord came to seek and to save the lost! Zacchaeus was lost, but Jesus saved him. Ring the bells and celebrate because all of heaven rejoices at the salvation of the lost.

I think it is important to begin with asking the question, what do the terms “lost” and “save” actually mean? There may even be some who would resent such a classification or characterization. Defining these terms will not only establish concrete communication throughout this article, but it will also help us grasp God’s intentional statement when He employs the terms. I think it is important to recognize the terms came from God.

Now then, the word “lost” literally means to destroy; to destroy utterly; cause to perish eternally; deprived of eternal life; to lose a possession.  When applied to salvation, “lost” means our relationship with God is broken by our sin, and when we die, we will go to hell—eternal destruction. Lost denote the fact that we do not possess a relationship with God that is redemptive in nature, and as a result we will perish forever.

Well that characterization does not sound too good at all. Thankfully there is a wonderful alternative available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary. That alternative is conveyed in the words “save” and “salvation” Jesus uses in Luke 19:10, 11. By “saved,” Jesus means to cause someone to experience divine salvation; God delivers those who decide to believe on Jesus. Those who are fit for utter destruction and perishing forever are here rescued from that future. The term presents the idea that our relationship with God has been restored through faith in Jesus Christ and we will go to heaven instead of hell. Many passages use these terms and the ‘lost sheep’ analogy to describe sinners doomed to perish unless they are rescued by the God of all grace (Matt 10:6; 15:24; 18:11; Luke 15:4, 6, 9, 24; 19:10). Beloved, Jesus did this for Zacchaeus and he came to do the same for us when we trust him with our sin problem.

Of course, all of this assumes that there is a God. If there is not a God, then we cannot be lost and we cannot be saved. We just live and die, and then we cease to exist. But if there is a God, then mankind is lost and needs to be saved. For the last two thousand years, one of the foundation stones of the Christian faith is that there is a God, humanity is lost, and everyone needs to be saved. Jesus revealed all of these principle realities and theological concepts when he made the statement,

And Jesus said unto him [Zacchaeus], This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:9–10, KJV)

This brings us to the heart of the problem. This is precisely why some are deeply offended when we use the term lost to describe them. “What do you mean I am lost?!” Thy might protect. You see, the problem with humanity is most people do not believe that they will die and go to hell. They think that something will save them. They think that either there is no hell, or there is no God, or that a loving God would not send them to hell, or that their good works will outweigh their bad. But these are all lies, deceptions of the devil. And in reality, we are doomed the moment we believe the lie.  

But since most people believe the lie that they are not in danger of going to hell, we have to start by asking the question, “Are we truly lost and don’t know it?” The majority of people do not believe they are. But what we believe means absolutely nothing unless God believes the same thing. So, to try to gain God’s perspective on the issue, we will ask several questions to see if the answers will give us insight on whether or not we are really lost and in need of “salvation.” Did Jesus actually come to seek and to save me because I am lost? 

Lesson:

What Does the Bible Say about Humanity’s Lost Condition?

The Bible says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that the wages of that sin is eternal separation from God in Hell.

Having looked at the words of the Lord Jesus suggesting humanity’s lost condition, we now turn to other statements of Scripture. If we take the Bible at face value, we simply cannot avoid the fact that humanity is lost and in need of personal salvation. In Romans, two verses combine with particular force: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

But the Bible by no means stops there:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16–18)

The words of the Lord Jesus clearly portray humanity as unbelieving, perishing, and condemned. He is careful to state with unmistakable clarity that all humanity is hopelessly lost without His direct intervention. The Lord Jesus insists that people are "condemned already because" they have not placed their faith in Him, the absolutely unique Son of God. In light of humanities woeful predicament God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Still each individual must recognize they are lost and believe on Jesus Christ to be saved.

As Jesus was contrasting the actions of the redeemed with the unredeemed in Matthew 25:41, He was unambiguous in His description of the fate of those who reject Him: “Then shall He say unto them on His left hand, ‘Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Jesus saw "everlasting fire" in the future of those who were not saved God's way. Many may claim to know the Lord as Savior, but in reality they never actually trusted Him for the forgiveness of sins and salvation. They were never delivered by God though they were religious, church goers, were baptized, and observed certain Bible requirements tenaciously. They were depending on their performance, obedience, adherence, and commitment to save them instead of the grace of God expressed in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This method can only end in eternal destruction in "everlasting fire."

In Acts 4:12 we read, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the absolute and ONLY WAY to be saved. Religion of any kind is utterly incapable of providing any form of salvation. Deliverance from our lost condition and eternal perishing is exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of all who will repent believing the Gospel.

In Romans 5:8–10, we read: 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

We sinners can be reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ, we are also justified before God through Christ’s cross, and we are delivered from wrath through him. Jesus alone is THE Savior; He is the ONLY Rescuer! 

Then in Romans 10:9-13, we are told “what we are to believe” in order to be saved by God:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12, For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom 10:9-13, KJV)

The Apostle Paul details the need to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord God, the supreme authority sent by God the Father to provide the solution for humanity's sin problem. By believing that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again as the all sufficient payment for our sins, we are saved. God begins for the first time ever to view us as righteous when we believe on Christ with all our heart and we naturally now confess Him as the Lord and savior of our lives. Furthermore, we are assured of a growing confidence that such an outright confession of faith in the Lord Jesus will not in any way fall short of God's saving grace, be disappointed, proved foolish, or become the source of shame. Paul further guarantees that anyone, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, who calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ will be indeed rescued from eternal perishing and the ultimate consequences of our sins. We must call upon the Lord for mercy today and the Lord is generous to save anyone and everyone who truly calls upon Him for deliverance from the ultimate condemnation of sin.

And finally, we read in Ephesians 2:1–10: 

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Beloved, salvation is by God showing undeserved favor on repentant sinners who place their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.  When we examine our past, we can only discover that we do not measure up to God's or our own expectations. We are guilty of significant and small failures before a perfect and holy God. When Christians look at our present situation, we understand that it is because of God's saving grace and redemptive work on our behalf. When we consider our future, it can only be summed up as the outcomes and provisions of Almighty God dealing with us most graciously. He has an incredible plan for our present and our future. We deserve hell for our failures, idolatry, and sin, but because of Jesus Christ we will enjoy forever with God. What God has done for us He is willing to do for all who will repent believing the gospel of grace.

Beloved, salvation cannot be earned, deserved, merited, bought, worked up, or worked for. It is not for sale; it is already paid for and based on the work of Jesus Christ alone. Like myself, you must come to God acknowledging your sinfulness, confessing Jesus Christ, the Son of God as Lord and Savior, and believing the Gospel—Christ died, was buried, and arose again the third day as the Scriptures said He would. This Jesus died to pay the price for my and your sins. When we trust Him, He will forgive, cleanse, and reconcile us to God forever. Beloved, today is your day to come to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” From this we learn that to be lost is to be in a state un-reconciled to God, and to be saved means to be reconciled to God by believing in Jesus and receiving the forgiveness of our sins which He offers us by grace through faith.

We see, then, lessons from history and the testimony of our own conscience show that humanity is un-reconciled to God. We are not sinners because we sin. Rather, we sin because we are sinners. David said in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceived me.” This does not mean that his mother committed sin in the act of conceiving David. Rather, it means that from the moment of conception, the flaw, the corruption of sin was in him. We are all born with it. And if we die with it, we are eternally lost. But if we repent and believe on Christ from the heart, our sins are forgiven and we are saved—we live with God and His children in peace, love, and joy in heaven forever.

We are truly lost. Jesus and the Bible clearly says so! It cannot be denied without overlooking incredible and substantial Bible evidence. The good news is; however, we really can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ and the gospel.

What if we still reject this idea or Bible teachings? If we ignore the clear statements of the Lord Jesus and the testimony of Scripture we are giving abundant evidence of still being lost. Actually the warnings of the Bible, the testimony of history, and the conclusion of our own consciences agree with what has been presented here. Humanity is lost without faith in Jesus Christ. We are going through life without ever receiving Jesus as our personal Savior.

Beloved, if we believe the lies of the devil and step out into eternity unsaved, we will be eternally lost perishing ceaselessly. The truth is it is not too late for you if you are concerned about this matter. If we believe God and trust Him, He will save us as He promised. I also hasten to warn you, God’s Spirit will not always strive with mankind. He is dealing with us most graciously and patiently; do not reject His generous offer of salvation. But if we don’t trust Him, we are indeed in the wrong, and we will have lost everything.

Principles for Successful Ministry 2

JOHN 13:12-17

SUBJECT: SERVANTHOOD/ PRINCIPLES                                                

THEME: Following Bible Based Guidelines in Christian Ministry Is Successful Service and Not Merely the Numerical Results or Impressive Statistics.  How and Why You Serve Christ Is Just as Important as What You Do for Him.   

INTRODUCTION: 

God requires service from every believer.  Ministry is not an option or a suggestion to be considered, but a commandment to be obeyed. This is true of every genuine believer. God knows that service is one way we can increase blessing and fulfillment in our own lives while bring great glory to Him. Though difficulty is a part of ministry, God does not command us to serve so that we might suffer hardness. Beloved, God directs us into service opportunities to reward us and bring us blessings. 

A measure of God’s blessings come to us in the form of ministry success which is far more than impressive numerical results, rapid ministry expansion, and sensational statistical reports. Following God’s ministry guidelines is success–how you serve Christ is important!  Beloved, ministry can be used of the Spirit of God to stamp Jesus into our character. While God is glorified when we bear much fruit (Jn. 15:5,8), He still requires that we serve His way for His reasons and not merely to impress others or to meet human expectations (Jn. 15:1-8, 16).  We must be motivated to do God’s Work in God’s Way!  Servant-leadership principles are the key.  In fact Jesus said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17).

Serving God’s Way for Godly Reasons is Success. Once again success in Christian ministry is in finding and following Bible based guidelines faithfully and leaving the results and statistic with the Lord. So, what are some principles for successful service?

LESSON:

I.  PRINCIPLE #1: SERVE LIKE YOUR MASTER.

II. PRINCIPLE #2: BE A VOLUNTEER  SERVANT.

III. PRINCIPLE #3: SERVE WITHOUT COMPARISON.

  

IV. PRINCIPLE #4: SERVE WITHOUT EXCLUSIONS.

1 Cor. 12:6-7, And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

If a person volunteers to join you in your service to others, allow him or her the privilege of doing so.

A.  INVOLVE EVERY BELIEVER IN SERVICE. 

    1.  Nobody Is Ever Too Young or Too Old to Serve.

In fact, there's no retirement program for Christian service. Following the Lord's example, we each are to serve the Lord and to serve others every day of our lives.

    2.  Biblical Love is to Be Expressed by Every Believer.

Jesus called His disciples “little children” during the Last Supper and said to them, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ” (John 13:34-35). Love knows no age limitations. Even a young child is capable of expressing love and care to others.  We don’t have many senior citizens in our church but they are potentially the most effect servants in a ministry!

B.  INCLUDE EVERYONE WHEN EXTENDING SERVICE.

Just as you exclude no person from an opportunity to serve, you must not exclude anyone from receiving service.

   1.  Consider Christ Helping Others.

Consider all whom the Lord Jesus touched with His hands. They included a leper, a child, and a blind man. He used His hands to wash the feet of His disciples. Consider the many different peoples he ministered to: the demon possessed, a Canaanite woman, Tax collectors, Zealots, Roman soldiers, Pharisees, the poor, the rich, the powerful, the outcasts, harlots, mourners, and even the dead.

   2.  Consider the Inclusive Nature of Calvary.

Eventually, He spread His hands out on a cross and died for the sins of all mankind.

      A.  Do Not Allow Ethnic Differences to Hinder You!

He certainly expects you to extend your hands to those in need regardless of their race, color, culture, nationality, or type of need (Acts 1:8; 2; 8:5, 26-27; 10:1-2, 33-48; 11:20-22; 13; 19:8-10). 

      B.  Do Not Allow Degradation to Hinder You!

Sometimes we avoid witnessing to people who are social outcasts and notorious rebels, but again this is not a legitimate reason to refuse to serve someone.  The only way some of these precious souls will ever be saved and know the Lord is if a real Christian begins to build bridges to them to win them to the Savior. This is exactly what Paul did among the Corinthians and what the other Apostles emphasized as well (1Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 19:17-20; 1Cor. 12:2; Eph. 2:1-3; Tit. 3:3-6; 1Pet. 4:2-4).  

      C.  Do Not Allow Sophistication to Hinder You!

Remember Cornelius of Acts 10:1-2 was a centurion — Roman Military Officer responsible for about 100 soldiers.  Consider the Epicureans, Stoicks, and Philosphers of Athen in Acts 17:16-34, no doubt these were great debaters and thinkers of their day.  In addition, Athens was the center of culture, education, and fine arts. What about the Grecian Honorable Women who were noted for their prominence in Thessalonica in Acts 17:11-12.   All of these are examples of the gospel reaching out to all people and any people without regard for race, social status, occupation, education, or culture!

Consider how inclusive God was in his plans for humanity and follow suit!  How does this effect whom you witness to and those you seek to disciple?

1 Tim. 2:5-6,  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2 Cor. 5:14-16, For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. [16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.   

2 Cor. 5:19,  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Peter 3:9,  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  

V. PRINCIPLE #5: SERVE WITH COMMITMENT.

Proverbs 16:3, Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.  

Psalm 37:5, Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.  

Regardless of the degree of commitment to service that you may have made in the past—or lack thereof—you can make a new start today.

A.  START FRESH WITH A NEW COMMITMENT.

  

    1.  Seek God’s Forgiveness.

Ask God to forgive you for wasted opportunities to serve. Make a commitment to yourself to discover your talents and abilities that might be used in service.

     2.  Act Upon Your New Commitment.

And then, make a commitment to get involved in the lives of others and to give, help, and provide as you are able. A real commitment is one that is acted upon, not merely one that is talked about.

The Lord Jesus fully expects us to act on our commitments to serve Him faithfully. He still requires total loyalty to Himself! Matthew 8:19-22,   And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. [20] And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [21] And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [22] But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Our commitment to Christ must be complete. It is possible that this disciple was not asking permission to go to his father's funeral, but rather to put off following Jesus until his elderly father died. Perhaps he was the firstborn son and wanted to be sure to claim his inheritance. Perhaps he didn't want to face his father's wrath if he left the family business to follow an itinerant preacher. Whether his concern was financial security, family approval, or something else, he did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse.  You too may need to start fresh with a new commitment!

Jesus was always direct with those who wanted to follow him. He made sure they counted the cost and set aside any conditions they might have for following him. As God's Son, Jesus did not hesitate to demand complete loyalty. Even family loyalty was not to take priority over the demands of obedience. His direct challenge forces us to ask ourselves about our own priorities in following him. The decision to follow Jesus should not be put off, even though other loyalties compete for our attention. Nothing should be placed above a total commitment to living for him.  Commit today!

B.  SERVE WITH ENDURANCE—IT TAKES COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE.

Commitment is required if you are to endure in your service through tough times and persecution.

    1.  Faithful Godly Service Will Be Rewarded by the Lord Jesus.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

1 Cor. 3:12-14,  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Make certain that what you do with your time, energies, and talents is for the gospel, and your work will be counted as gold, silver, and precious stones. It is what you do for your own self-serving interests and self-gratification that will be revealed as wood, hay, and stubble.

    2.  Endurance Grows out of Commitment to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:22, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don't do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm, and continue to live for Christ.

Standing firm and enduring to the end is not another way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation; it is the by-product of a truly devoted life.

Commit yourself to being consistent in your service to Christ and others throughout your life. Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

VI. PRINCIPLE #6: LEAVE THE OUTCOMES WITH GOD.

Philip. 2:13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

You are not responsible fully for the outcomes related to your service. Your responsibility is to serve God and others to the best of your ability, with the full force of your love, energy, and talents. What happens as the result of your service is God's responsibility.

A.  IT’S WHAT GOD ACHIEVES THAT COUNTS.

John 14:10, Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  

      1.  The Apostle Paul Suffered Greatly in Giving Service to the Early Church.

         A.  His Ministry Was Filled with Conflict, Struggles, and Troubles.

If you were to evaluate Paul's ministry on the basis of the number of times he was beaten, imprisoned, ridiculed and scorned, rejected, or assaulted, you would consider his ministry to be a total failure. The value of

         B.  Paul's Ministry, However, Was Not Measured by What He Went Through, but by What God Accomplished Through His consistent, persistent, and insistent preaching and teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

      2.  It Is God Who Saves Souls; We Merely Do the Witnessing.

      3.  It Is God Who Heals and Restores; We Merely Do the “Medicating,” the Praying, and the Exhorting.

      4.  It Is God Who Delivers; We Merely Proclaim the Power, the Blood, and the Promises Made Available to Us Through the Name of Jesus.

      5.  When We Serve, God Works. He uses everything that we do for His good purposes and eternal plan.

B.  CONCENTRATE ON BEING FAITHFUL.

Matthew 25:21, His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

God calls us to be faithful. Our “success” is up to Him. Ministry is not something we do for God but, rather, something that God does through us. He is the One who calls us to service, enables us to serve, and produces His desired result from our service. Trust Him to work faithfully in and through you.

1 Thes. 5:24, Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Adopting an attitude of faithfulness in service is a tall order. Faithful servants are committed believers. Faithful servants are loyal Christians. Faithful servants are responsible persons. Their word is a bond. A faithful servant will choose to forgo distractions for the prescribed goal. They are not dissuaded by “wind or weather,” by personalities, by fatigue, or other distractions. That is why God rewards faithfulness so highly—why He places such a premium on faithfulness in our pursuit and execution of His will.

Consider the following questions and use them to x-ray your own heart before the Lord Jesus:

Am I serving God’s way?

Am I serving for godly reasons?

Am I motivated to impress others?

Am I like my Master?

Am I a consistent volunteer?

Am I comparing myself with others?

Am I excluding some in my service?

Am I committed in my ministry?

Am I leaving the outcomes with God?

Am I faithful to God’s work?

Principles for Successful Ministry 1

JOHN 13:12-17

SUBJECT: PRINCIPLES OF SERVANTHOOD                                             

THEME: Following Bible Based Guidelines in Christian Ministry Is Successful Service and Not Merely the Numerical Results or Impressive Statistics. How and Why You Serve Christ Is Just as Important as What You Do for Him.   

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Service Is a Theme That Runs Throughout God's Word from Cover to Cover.

    A.  The Bible is filled with countless examples of ways in which God served His people, ways in which God's people served God and others, and commandments that are related to service.

    B.  Today, we will begin looking at six principles from God's Word that are related to service. These guidelines are interrelated and should be taken as a whole.

2.  Service is  Strictly the Command of Our Lord for Every Believer.

As you think upon these principles you will be challenged to ask yourself some tough questions. Why do I press this issue?  

     A.  Because God has made it very clear in His Word that He requires service from us. Service is not an option or a suggestion. It is a commandment. 

     B.  Again this passage emphasizes inner humility in service, not a physical ritual. Not to follow this example of Jesus is to view oneself as “greater” than He is and to live in pride.  Remember no servant is greater than his master (John 12:26; 13:16).

3.  Serving God’s Way for Godly Reasons is Success.

Once again success in Christian ministry is in finding and following Bible based guidelines faithfully and leaving the results and statistic with the Lord.   What are some of these principles?

LESSON:

I.  PRINCIPLE #1: SERVE LIKE YOUR MASTER--JESUS.

John 13:14-15, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

A.  THE CRITICAL CHALLENGE— to Serve with Humility.  (Jn. 13:14-15)

Something absolutely vital to the work of the Lord is humility and submission to Christ way and motivations.

     1.  Christ’s Example.

In verses (Jn. 13:12–17) Jesus challenged the disciples on the basis of what he had just done. He knew the limitations of the disciples understanding and sought to challenge and clarify his expectation of his servants.

 

      2.  Christ’s Expectations.

He challenged them with his own example of humble service (Jn. 13:14) . 

A prison of pride is filled with self-made men and women determined to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps even if they land on their rear ends. It doesn't matter what they did or to whom they did it, or where they end up; it only matters that “I did it my way.””— Max Lacado

No form of pride, false self-respect, or determination to do our own thing should prevent us from humbly serving the brethren. If Jesus served humbly, then so should we! This is the critical challenge.

B.  THE CONSTRAINING COMMAND— Serve Your Master and Lord Without Excuses. (Jn. 13:13-14)

Commands are to be obeyed without excuse or failure. What makes this order so constraining is the fact that it came from:

      1.  Our Master, Lord, and Example.

Jesus appealed first to his own relationship to the disciples (“Master” = Teacher, “Lord”= Authority) (Jn. 13:13-14) and then to his example (ye also ought to wash one another’s feet). The authoritative nature of his approach is unmistakable and should short-circuit any excuses anyone would offer.  The opposite is rebellion!

      2.  A Revolutionary Standpoint. 

Furthermore, the command is strengthened when we remember that humility was despised in the ancient world as a sign of weakness. Jesus’ command was therefore revolutionary in the sphere of human relationships and applicable to everyone of his disciples and subjects. 

This is not a suggestion but a command from our Teacher, Supreme Authority, and Example! May it be ever clear to each of us that we are obligated to the Master’s Mandates!

C.  THE COMPELLING CLARIFICATION— You Are Enslaved as Christ’s Messenger.  (Jn.13:16).

   

      1.  Seek Service Not Your Rights.                                 

The word “servant” in Jn.13:16 means a slave who had no rights in his master’s house.

      2.  Choose Purpose Over Prestige.

Since the words “he that is sent” refers to a  messenger this would stripe the office of ‘apostleship’ of any prestige and remind them of their obligations to proclaim Christ’s message. They were not too important for this purpose.

These words clarify our responsibility to slavishly execute Christ’s commands and proclaim his message with a humble heart.  We should consider ourselves “sent” by our “Lord” and “Master” for this purpose of serving as his messengers with any and every opportunity.

D.  THE CHEERFUL CONSIDERATION— Real Value and Blessing lies in Doing Service! (John 13:17)

   1.  Service Is Also Our Way to Increased Blessing and Fulfillment in Life.   John 13:17

      A.  We can be “happy” (blessed, joyful, fulfilled), through our service to others.

      B.  We are not blessed because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know.

      C.  God's grace to us finds its completion in the service we perform for others.

      D.  We will find our greatest joy in obeying Christ by serving others.

   2.  Suffering and Hardship are Not God’s Primary Motivations for Commanding Service.

      A.  God does not command us to serve so that we might be hurt, diminished, decreased, or made to suffer.              

      B.  Suffering and hardship is not what motivates the Lord to compel us to serve.  

      C.  However, our service should be accomplished with a humble attitude and spirit even while suffering to do God’s will.  

   3.  Blessing and Rewards are God’s Motivations for Commanding Service.

      A.  Rather, God commands us to service so that through our service to others, He might reward us, bring us blessing, teach us, and develop a closer relationship with us.

      B.  God blesses His servants because of their responses to what they know.

      C.  Christian happiness (happy are ye) comes through obedient service (if you do them, i.e., the things Jesus commanded).

      D.  God always rewards our service with greater awareness of His presence and power and, ultimately, with eternal rewards that are beyond our ability to imagine them.

Jesus said, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. [17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. ” (John 13:16–17). We must serve. But this is a command we should delight in doing because service always reaps benefit—to us personally as well as to those whom we serve.                                

James 1:25,  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

II. PRINCIPLE #2: BE A VOLUNTEER  SERVANT.

Exodus 35:5,  Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:22,  And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

Obviously the O.T. saints were instructed that they could bring an offering to the Lord on a volunteer basis. Today we should view our service as a volunteer offering to the Lord willingly given from the heart. Service is certainly a matter of love for the Lord and others. It’s not only the incentives, money, or rewards but the “willing heart” to be a blessing to the Lord and His people.

A.  A TRUE SERVANT DOES NOT WAIT TO BE ASKED.

Why is this true?

   1.  Because they are Sensitive.

He or she discerns a need and acts decisively to meet it. A servant has a sensitive heart and a willing spirit.

I recall when Brother Anderson walked into a conversation I was having with one of our Sunday School teachers who was preparing for a vacation. We needed a substitute while she was away.  Brother Anderson immediately spoke up and volunteered for the job. I did not try to talk him into it nor coerce him in any way at all.  He simply was sensitive to the need and made himself available to help! Praise the Lord for Christians who listen to God and sense His promptings.

   2.  Because of Their Love for Others.

        A.  Godly Love Actively Relieves Needs.

A volunteer is motivated by love and prompted to action by the presence of a need.  Biblical love is never static but active and dynamic. 

        B.  Do Not Confuse This With Full Time Ministers.

The instructions on volunteerism are applicable to the average ministry opportunities in a church and not to the vocational Gospel ministry. I believe God  “calls” preachers to fulltime ministry and thus it is not on a volunteer basis.

   3.  Because They are not Concerned With Convenience. 

        A.  A Volunteer Is Not Motivated by Convenience or Leisure Time.

        B.  Convenient Service Opportunities Will Never Come.

Those who say “someday I'll get involved” or “someday I'll serve God” are offering lame excuses. If you are waiting for a convenient time to serve, you will never serve.  The devil will ensure that you stay far too busy to serve God.

Ask yourself, “What is it that I won't do for God? What is it that I wouldn't do for another person?” An honest answer to those two questions will reveal your own self-pride.

        C.  Many Hard Workers Make a Priority of Christian Ministry.

But bare in mind, those who serve in some of the most significant ministries at a Church are some of the hardest working and busiest people in the entire community.  Truly, busy people, who love the Lord, always make a priority of the most significant endeavors like serving God. 

Remember Jesus died naked, bloody, and battered, on a cross that was next to a public highway. He was made a laughingstock—a crown of thorns pressed into His brow and a sign above His head labeling him in mockery, “King of the Jews.” Jesus died for your sake so that you might have a Savior.  Why is convenience even a consideration when it comes to service? 

Do not expect someone to beg you to serve a Lord who went through that much intense suffering for you!

B.  JESUS MODELED VOLUNTEER SERVICE. 

The Lord Jesus served God and humanity voluntarily in his death. Furthermore, Jesus actually went to the cross voluntarily.

    1.  Remember Christ’s Crucifixion.

The Bible gives us these words of Jesus, spoken well in advance of His crucifixion:

John 10:14-18,   I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. [17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

          A.  Jesus was obedient to His heavenly Father, and the Cross was His supreme act of volunteerism.

          B.  He gave His life voluntarily for our salvation without regard to pain, suffering, mockery, or the disbelief of many who witnessed His death.

Is there any type of service that is beneath you? Is there anything you won't do for Him?  Do considerations of sacrifice, discomfort, and difficulty discourage you from getting involved in a more meaningful way?

    2.  Remember David’s Testimony. 

Acts 13:22,  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

God said about King David: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” (Acts 13:22b). Will God say that about you?

III. PRINCIPLE #3: SERVE WITHOUT COMPARISON.

2 Cor. 10:12,   For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Cor. 10:17-18,  But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. [18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

A.  DO NOT RESORT TO PRIDE BASED ON COMPARISONS.

Jeremiah 9:24,  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

    1.  Service is Not a Matter of Excelling Others.

A true servant doesn't compare his level or type of service with that of anyone else. Service is not hierarchical. There is no “top floor, corner office” when it comes to successful service.

    2.  Service is a Matter of the Heart’s Motivations.

         A.  God Looks upon the Heart and its Motivation, Not Merely upon Results or Achievements, in Rewarding Service.

                                               

         B.  As We Have Stated Before, Every Person Is Capable and Every Person Is Qualified for Some Type of Service.

                                               

B.  DO NOT USE EXCUSES BASED ON COMPARISONS.

1 Thes. 5:11,  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.   

Clearly we all are commanded to “comfort” and “edify one another.”  It doesn’t matter who you are, every believer can obey this command in some way or another.

    1.  Get Your Focus Off of Others.

Many people say about service, “I'd do more for God if I only had … ”   These are only a few of the excuses given in the “if I only had” category:

         ! his job and income

         ! his circumstances and time availability

         ! his opportunities

         ! his family background and status

    2.  Focus on What You Do Have.

Everything you have is a gift from God, and God considers what you have been given adequate for the tasks to which He calls you. Rather than focus on what you lack, take a look at what you have.

    3.  Focus on Your Opportunities.

Not only do you have adequate talents and gifts with which to serve, but God has given you a place and a people to serve. God has given you your family, your business or place of employment, your friends, your church, and your neighborhood as opportunities to serve. There are needs all around you. Target one of them and get started.

  

C.  DO NOT USE CRITICISM BASED ON COMPARISONS. 

Matthew 7:1-2,   Judge not, that ye be not judged. [2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

1 Thes. 5:15,  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

     1.  Refuse to Criticize Those Who Don’t Serve.

Once you begin to serve, don't criticize those who fail to serve. Jesus did not wash the feet of His disciples and then say to them, “Now you wash my feet.” Service must be without criticism and without comparison.

     2.  Refuse To Criticize Those Who Lead Others.

Don't criticize your fellow servants or those who lead your service effort.

         A.  Encourage Them and Build Them Up.  (1 Thes. 5:11)

The person who gives encouragement is likely the person who receives encouragement.

         B.  Offer Insightful Suggestions to Encourage the Work.

Offer suggestions when you think they may be beneficial to the group as a whole, but don't criticize what a person has done in the past or what he is attempting to do. You never know the full story. Only God knows the full extent of that person's effort and the motivation that is behind it.

Be a part of the progress not a stumbling block or hindrance. Harsh criticism never helps!

God requires service from every believer. Ministry is not an optional thing to consider, but a commandment to be obeyed. God knows that service is one way we can increase blessing and fulfillment in our own life. Though difficulty is a part of ministry, God does not command us to serve so that we might suffer lose. Rather, He commands service in order to reward us and bring us blessings. 

A measure of God’s blessings come to us in the form of ministry success which is far more then impressive numerical results, rapid ministry expansion, and sensational statistical reports.  Following God’s ministry guidelines is success–how you serve Christ is important!  While God is glorified when we bare much fruit (Jn. 15:5,8), He still requires that we serve His way for His reasons and not merely to impress others or to meet human expectations (Jn. 15:1-8, 16).  We must be motivated to do God’s Work in God’s Way!  Servant-leadership principles are the key.  In fact Jesus said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17).