Preacher’s Pulpit
It Is Required That We Be Faithful To God
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
INTRODUCTION:
One of the great emphases of the apostle Paul in this letter is the Faithfulness of God
(1 Cor 1:9) “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
He declares that God can be depended upon at all times . . . good and bad!
(1 Cor 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Paul also, encourages and motivates them to be zealous in service for a Faithful God that will not let their labor go unrewarded.
(1 Cor 15:58) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Paul states that it ought to be our desire to be FAITHFUL like our God is.
(1 Cor 4:2) “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
You see God didn’t ask us to be brilliant or successful, but He does expect us to be: faithful, reliable, dependable and trustworthy.
Notice this expectation of God for the SAVED:
I. CHRISTIANS MUST BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN THE USE OF THEIR TIME
A. TIME is one of the most precious gifts that God has given to mankind.
B. It should be divided into at least 3 categories:
1. Time to Work
a. In OT, God’s plan is 6 days of work
b. More work than 6 days, there is a need to re-examine or re-evaluate
2. Time to Rest
a. Sabbath a day of rest and relaxation.
b. A day for believer to be released from routine and labor of earning living in order to be refreshed.
3. Time to Serve
a. Not a burden to serve
b. A blessing to serve
C. Real joy as a Christian can and will only come when much time is used in serving the Lord and others.
II. CHRISTIANS MUST BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN THE USE OF THEIR TALENTS.
(Mat 25:15-17) “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. {16}Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. {17}And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.”
A. Our talents should be considered gifts of God to be used for His glory and honor.
B. Talents must never be exploited merely for self-centered advancement.
C. Every talent carries with it a great responsibility:
1. They are to be developed and used.
2. We must be reliable and dependable in using our talents for the Lord.
III. CHRISTIANS MUST BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN THE USED OF THEIR TREASURE
(Deu 8:18) “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
A. It is God who gives us the power to get wealth.
B. God expects us to earn our money by honest and helpful means.
C. It is expected that we share our treasure with the work of the Lord – Tithes and offerings.
(2 Cor 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
IV. CHRISTIANS MUST BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN THE TIME OF TROUBLES
(Heb 12:6) “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
A. Not all our trouble and trials come to us by the IDEAL Will of God.
B. Some troubles and trials come because of our own sinfulness or selfishness.
C. We can let trouble cause us to become, bitter, hostile and rebellious.
D. We can let trouble cause us to become discouraged, depressed and defeated.
E. Are we can let trouble cause us to become better in our walk with the Lord.
F. It is your decision and only you can make it.
CONCLUSION:
It is not required that a Christian be anything but faithful, trustworthy, reliable and dependable. Everyone can be a steward if they want to be. Are you faithful, trustworthy and reliable for the cause of Christ? If not, then today is the day you gain the victory in Christ.