Being a Profitable Servant
INTRODUCTION.
A. Read Matthew 25:14-30.
B. Christians are servants of God. (Romans 6:22)
C. Why are we the servants of God? (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23)
D. As servants of God, we are to be doing the will of God from the heart. (Ephesians 6:6) There are many areas of service which we could examine. However, it is the purpose of this lesson to examine our service unto God in the area of teaching the lost.
I. WHAT TO DO WITH THE GOSPEL?
A. Teach it. (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2)
B. Spread it. (Acts 4:13-17)
1. They were worried about the news of miracles and the teachings of the apostles spreading.
2. Are we spreading the good news - the gospel - the truth - at such a rate that it would cause concern in the denominational world?
3. Or does the denominational world have any reason to worry about us spreading the truth?
C. Preach it. (Acts 8:4)
1. The believers, both men and women, were scattered abroad preaching the word.
2. The term preaching is translated from a greek word which means ''to announce good news - especially the gospel''.
3. So, we can all preach the gospel, however, in different areas and circumstances. A woman can preach the gospel as long as she does not usurp the authority of a man.
D. Plant it. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)
II. WHY TREAT THE GOSPEL IN THIS MANNER?
A. It is commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16)
B. The Gospel is the power of God. (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12)
C. Love your neighbor. (Matthew 5:43-48; 22:36-40)
1. If you truly love your neighbors, then you will be concerned enough about your soul salvation to take the gospel to the lost.
2. Whether by word of mouth, a simple tract, an invitation to the services, or even the correspondence course.
D. Example of the profitable servant. (Matthew 25:14-30)
III. PREPARATIONS FOR TEACHING THE GOSPEL.
A. Develop the proper love for:
1. God. (John 15:14; Matthew 22:37)
2. Neighbor. (Romans 13:8-10; James 2:8,9)
B. Desire or zeal.
1. If we repented out of Godly sorrow, then we should desire and be zealous to preach and teach the gospel. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
2. Our zeal should be so great that it provokes others. (2 Corinthians 9:2)
3. If we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, then we should be ZEALOUS for good works. One of which is teaching the lost. (Titus 2:11-14)
4. After we add zeal, we must add knowledge with it. (Romans 10:2)
C. Knowledge. (Hebrews 5:12-14)
1. As Christians we must increase in the knowledge of God and his word. (Colossians 1:9-11)
2. If we do not increase in knowledge, then how can we teach?
a. How can we admonish one another. (Romans 15:14)
b. How can we take the knowledge of the truth to the lost. (1 Timothy 2:4)
D. Persistence or patience.
1. It is necessary that we have patience. (Hebrews 10:36; 12:1)
2. Although not everyone will receive the gospel, we must never give up. (Luke 8:15)
E. Consistency.
1. After a person obeys, we must continue to teach him. (Matthew 28:19-20)
2. We must not be like the Pharisees, scribes and hypocrites. (Matthew 23:15)
3. If the babe in Christ falls away, then the end will be worse on him. (2 Peter 2:20-22)
CONCLUSION.
A. We must do our part to lead the lost to Jesus Christ.
1. Are you doing the will of God by spreading the gospel to those lost in sin?
2. If not, then ask God to forgive you and then determine to take the gospel to the lost.
B. While we can be like the profitable servant, we must possess the attitude taught by Jesus when He said, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Luke 17:10, NKJV)
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Being a Profitable Servant -- January 18, 2004 -- File # 659
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK