What Do You Need to Serve the Lord?

Text: Colossians 4:2-6

 

I.         Jesus told his disciples to serve the Lord by bringing others to him - John 4:34-38

            A.        He command them, and us, to go into all the world - Matthew 28:19-20

            B.        Each of us have this responsibility

II.        Yet, many find excuses to avoid the work

            A.        “I’m not eloquent enough to be any great service.”

                        1.         Moses tried that excuse - Exodus 4:10-12

                        2.         Excellency of speech has never been high on God’s list for selecting servants

                        3.         Paul was not concerned with how well he spoke - I Corinthians 2:1

                        4.         The power is in the message, not the messenger - Romans 1:15-16

            B.        Many feel unqualified to be of service because they lack education

                        1.         Somehow, people feel that those with high degrees of learning are in a better position to be successful in serving God

                        2.         Usually, degrees are more of a hindrance than a help. Far too often, the more learning a person has, the less faith he possesses - I Corinthians 1:26-29

                        3.         Consider the apostles - Acts 4:13

                                    a.         They were considered to be ignorant and unlearned men

                                    b.         Their boldness came from being with Jesus

            C.        Some feel they could make an impact if they just possessed greater riches

                        1.         Riches can be a blessing or a curse - I Timothy 6:9

                        2.         How did a poor widow gain the notice of our Lord? - Mark 12:41-44

                                    a.         It certainly was not in the quantity she gave

                        3.         When God came to this earth, how did He live? - Matthew 8:20

                                    a.         The common people gladly listened to Him - Mark 12:37

                                    b.         It was the rich and mighty rulers who opposed Him

            D.        Some use the excuse: “I have nothing to wear” to not attend services

                        1.         Yet, these same people are able to go anywhere else that they wish to go

                        2.         We usually do what we want to do

                        3.         What did John the Baptist wear in his service to the Lord? - Matthew 3:1-6

                        4.         God looks at our hearts, not our stylish clothing - I Samuel 16:7; I Peter 3:3-4

                        5.         More brethren need to learn the lesson in James 2:1-9

            E.        Some believe their health is not good enough to serve God

                        1.         Gaius might not have been in as good physical health as he was spiritually - III John 1-2

                        2.         People use their health as reason for not attending services, but they are able to go other places and do other things

                        3.         Paul had his thorn in the flesh, but it didn’t stop him - II Corinthians 12:7-10

                        4.         Some of the Galatians became Christians because of Paul’s illness - Galatians 4:13-14

III.       It seems that people are only willing to serve the Lord if everything is convenient and opportune

            A.        Jesus spoke of such people - Luke 14:16-24

            B.        Was it convenient to worship, sing, and teach while in prison? - Acts 16:25

            C.        We need to take advantages of opportunities as they arise and not wait for a convenient time as Felix wished - Acts 24:25

            D.        It is when everything is going well for us that we tend to forget our Lord - Deuteronomy 32:13-15