A Good Servant

 

A Good Servant Introduction: A servant of Jesus Christ submits to Jesus as Lord and spends their life serving him. Those who will hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant” on the day of judgment will be those who have been faithful in carrying out their duties, Matthew 25. Sermon text:1 Timothy 4: 6-11 Body: 1.      Good servants are nourished in the faith (verse 6). “These things” in this context; some would depart from the faith, (verses 1 and 2). In principle, this means that they are departing from all that God's word teaches. A good servant warns others about false teachers and does what he can to prevent them from leaving the faith (2 Timothy 4:1- 5). Good servants must be nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine. Servants must feed upon the word of God and be sustained by it (Acts 20: 32).  Timothy had been nourished by the truth of scripture (2 Timothy 3: 14, 15 ). Good doctrine implies that there is such a thing as bad doctrine. Christians who feed upon bad doctrine become bad servants. “Which you have carefully followed” is extremely important. Good servants are diligent in learning the truth and following it closely. 2.      Good servants must exercise (versus 7- 9) being a good servant includes rejecting certain things: ·         Profane is any unholy belief and does not come from God's holy word. ·         Old wives' fables are fictitious stories or superstitions (Titus 1: 13, 14).  Instead, a good servant exercises with a view toward godliness. ·         “Exercise” - the noun form of the Greek verb translates gymnasium. Just as athletes must train vigorously to attain their goals, the good servant must strenuously exercise to attain a life of godliness. Developing a Christian character involves continuing, putting in the effort and practice. A life of unending study and effort is necessary ( 2 Corinthians 7: 1). ·         “Godliness” - means reverence and respect for God and his word. This must be The goal of every good servant of Jesus Christ.  Bodily or physical exercise only profits the outward man and is of short duration and limited degree. Its benefits pertain only to our time on earth. On the other hand, godliness provides benefits both on earth and in heaven, in both time and eternity. It is far more important to have a healthy strong soul that you have a healthy, strong body (Matthew 6: 33). ·         “Faithful saying” means Dependent and worthy of acceptance by all. 3.      Good servants must labor and suffer reproach (verses 10, 11) to receive that reward in heaven is why Paul labored and suffered reproach. All good servants must labor- work to the point of exhaustion! Christians must give their life to this effort (Romans 12:1).  To suffer reproach- all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3: 12 ). This means suffering for doing what is right! A life of service to Christ is a life of trust and should be fully confident in God's promise (Revelation 2: 10). How is God the savior of all men? ·         Jesus is the potential savior of all men. Jesus died so that all could be saved. ·         He is the savior of everyone who is saved. There is no salvation anywhere else. Saved people have an active and obedient faith (James 2 ). (Verse 11) there is something absolute that must be taught and obeyed.    Conclusion: A good servant places their faith in Christ and obeys him in all things, closely following the gospel and trusting the promises of God. April 26, 2020 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/ Christian Living

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

Conduct between slaves and masters

 

Conduct between slaves and masters introduction: In Paul's letter to Timothy, he discusses the church's conduct concerning preachers, widows, elders, and now, in our text, slaves and masters. It has been estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire at the time of this letter was written. Some say the entire economy was built on slavery. Masters could legally do whatever they wanted with their slaves. They were considered merely property. It is in this background of the times that Paul writes about how Christian slaves are to conduct themselves. Text: 1 Timothy 6: 1, 2 1.      conduct toward all masters (verse 1) Christian slaves were to respect their owners, whether they were Christian or not. Ephesian 6: 5-8 points out how this respect can be shown. Two reasons are given as to why Christian slaves were to respect their masters: ·         So God's name would not be blasphemed. If these slaves rebelled and caused their owners difficulty, God's name would be dishonored. Christian slaves needed to remember they were not just slaves to their owners, but to the lord as well (Colossians 3: 22-25). ·         So godly doctrine would not be blasphemed. It is supposed to make people better.  If they show disrespect, their owners would speak of Christ’s teachings. If the Christian slave didn't act any better than the non Christian slaves, what difference would Jesus teaching have? Do we have a good moral reputation in our community in mark 2.      Conduct towards believing masters (verse 2 ) a Christian slave should not despise, think likely of, or be disrespectful to his Christian owner. A slave was to remember his own position as well as that of his master. Even though they were both brothers in Christ, their working relationship had not changed. Rather Christian slaves were to serve or slave for them all the more. This would be benefiting, producing fruit, for a fellow Christian (Christian master). The book of Philemon touches upon the conduct between a Christian slave (Onesimus) and his Christian owner (Philemon). That relationship did not change when Paul converted Onesimus to Christ. Paul sent him back to Philemon for this was the right thing to do. But a new additional relationship had been formed. They were both now brothers in Christ. 3.      Appropriate lessons: ·         Christianity has the power to enter any culture and mold people so they can live with one another even the master slave relationship is bearable if both parties show godly characteristics and both exhibit brotherly love ( 1 john 4: 10, 11 ). ·         Search is not appointed by God to excite social reform. It is not a political tool. The issue of slavery is an excellent example. For the church to have encouraged slaves to revolt and rebel against their masters would have been fatal. It would have caused chaos, civil war and the complete discredit of the church. Christianity did teach that Christians were to be good, responsible citizens of society. The gospel, when believed and obeyed, did eventually change society into a better one. It teaches that all men are created equal and are made in the image of God, and that all life is precious. 4.      Invitation: the gospel changes people from the inside out (Romans 12: 1, 2). The world should see Christ living in us. Christians make any society a better one by living and abiding by Christian principles.   May 24, 2020 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/    Christian Living

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

A Living Sacrifice

 

A Living Sacrifice Text: Romans 12: 1, 2 Romans chapter 12 is often referred to as “the Christian manual.” This chapter summarizes how a Christian is to live in this world. A pivotal verse (1-11) discusses the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Then, verses 12-16 focus on duties and applications based on those doctrines—“service.” Never forget that what we believe helps determine how we behave. For example, evolutionary teaching suggests no moral guidelines, equating animal behavior with human life that lacks value. Not only do we need to understand these doctrines in verses 1-11, but we must also allow them to change who we are and how we act. Knowledge by itself is not enough. 1.  Presentation (verse 1) Paul “Beseeches” them, meaning he appeals, implores, and pleads with them. This appeal is based on God’s mercy—what He has already done in sacrificing His Son (Romans 5:8-10). Because the Father has shown us mercy, Paul says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God." Present means to offer, to make a decisive dedication, a one-time presentation to place your bodies at God’s disposal. Under the law of Moses, the priests made sacrifices, usually by killing an animal and offering it on the altar. Under the law of Christ, each Christian is the sacrifice and must die to self (Matthew 16:24-25). As a result of that presentation, we live no longer for ourselves! We are to be a “living” sacrifice of our “whole” bodies—our entire being—our all. It is to be a sacrifice of: a)  The ears-hearing instructions from the Bible (Luke 10: 16 ). b)  The hands - working to help those in need (Ephesians 4:28). c)  The feet-should not flee responsibility, but instead take the gospel to the world (Romans 10: 15 ). d)  The tongue should not produce corrupt speech but instead, teach and edify (Ephesians 4: 29 ). e)  Our affections- our love for family and friends is second to our love of God (Matthew 10: 37 ). This type of sacrifice is described by Paul as our “reasonable service.” The spiritual service you perform is the logical result of your faith in God. They go hand in hand. It is an act of your will to determine to serve the Lord with your whole heart and mind. 2.  Consecration "Do not be conformed to this world." Be separate in speech and lifestyle. Listen to Peter's words (1 Peter 1:14). Do not become worldly! The world is anything and everything contrary to the will of God. This “world” belongs to Satan, and since Satan and Christ have no fellowship, we, who have been set apart to serve Christ, cannot have any fellowship with it either. Remember, we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). Worldliness is subtle; it creeps up gradually on a Christian. Friendship with the world (James 4:4) and love for the world (1 John 2:15-17) lead to conformity to the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Separation means consecration. 3.  Transformation It refers to the change from one form to another—commonly known as "metamorphosis." This transformation occurs through the renewing of our minds and is a continual process that happens daily. It must start with an inward change of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions before any outward change can be observed. As stated, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). This principle is also seen in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:22-24), which discusses “putting off, renewing, and putting on.” When transformation takes place, a person is able to prove, discern, discover, and follow the will of God by focusing on the right things (Philippians 4:8). The Christian can find and follow God's will as revealed in His Word. Conclusion\ Invitation: Christians, are you being conformed to the world or transformed into the image of Christ? Have you dedicated your bodies as a living sacrifice? If you have, you won't find it hard to attend every assembly possible, to put forth more effort to teach the gospel to those around you, to be even more generous in your giving, and to be spouses, parents, and children that God is proud of. Or maybe some need to put on the Lord and be baptized? February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/   Sermon Library on: Christian Living       Bobby Stafford February 2025

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

The Christian At Work

 

The Christian At Work Introduction: Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention. 1.  Work is ordained by God. From the very beginning of mankind's history, God has desired for man to labor in the same capacity (Genesis 2:15). Therefore, work or labor is not inherently evil; rather, it was made more difficult because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19). The New Testament reinforces the principle that work is ordained by God (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Brother Leroy Brownlow, in his book The Christians' Everyday Problems, lists several reasons why work is beneficial for people. For instance, it strengthens both our mind and body; one cannot truly appreciate rest unless one understands what work is. A lack of labor and activity can lead to idleness and being a busybody (1 Peter 4:15), among other issues. 2.  Christians Should be Obedient in the Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9). a.  Obedience is emphasized. This is, of course, as long as we are not told to do something that violates God's law. “We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We are to be in subjection to our employers, even if they are harsh (1 Peter 2:18). b.  These verses tell us that we are submissive to our masters because we are truly serving the Lord when we do so (Colossians 3:22-24). c.  The Christian performs his work not just when the boss is looking but at all times. This is pleasing to the Lord. 3.  Christians Must Remember Who They Are We belong to Christ on Monday as well as on Sunday. Consider Titus 2:9-10. Note that Christians are, first and foremost, to be honest. Christians should be the most honest employees in the company. We are guided by a higher standard. Christians should be trustworthy in all things. By being like our Master, we adorn the doctrine before our earthly masters. Similar to 1 Timothy 6:1, others should see God in us. 4.  Some Observations About the Workplace a.  We should let our employers know our religious obligations and then be consistent. If you inform your employer that you cannot work on Sundays, but later learn that the company is offering double pay for those shifts and decide to work, where's your consistency? Where is your faithfulness? Are you truly putting the Kingdom first? b.  Christians should consider job promotions, among other things, in terms of how they will affect their service to God. Will it result in less time for family and church? c.  A Christian should never become a slave to their job. Christians must avoid being lured by materialism. d.  Christians should avoid every form of evil in the workplace. Office pools—lottery pools—are simply another form of gambling, which is a sin! e.  Christians should sow the seed of the Kingdom in the workplace. They should have tracks available and keep their Bible handy. During breaks and lunch periods, they should always be willing to answer a coworker's religious questions. Conclusion: a Christian can genuinely let his light shine in the workplace. This may influence those around him, and hopefully, some will be drawn to the cause of Christ. What about you? Are you on the Lord's side? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of sins? February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/ Christian Living       Bobby Stafford February 2025

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

A Christian’s Speech

 

A Christian’s Speech  Introduction: I would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town whether they believe the Bible is indeed the word of God, most would say "yes." Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people's speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking God's name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about the Christian? What should characterize his or her speech? It's to those questions in particular that we now turn our attention.  1.  Christian Speech Should Be Truthful  a. Titus 1:2 informs us that God cannot lie. Paul instructed the Christians in Ephesus to be imitators of God. Therefore, we, as His children, are to be those who speak the truth. b. Our speech reveals who we are truly following. Notice Christ's words in John 8:44. Those who lie are actually following the devil, not God. c. Those of us who desire a heavenly home would do well to heed Revelation 22:14-15. How much does heaven mean to you? d. Speaking the truth is especially important when we discuss brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25). Thus, being a new person created according to God, “speak the truth” signifies continual, habitual action. Can you imagine if the parts of your physical body lied to one another? What if your tongue told your stomach that what it had tasted was good when, in reality, it was poisoned? The body wouldn't survive that for long. When honesty is not practiced in the body of Christ, but rather lies and deception are, harm and division will follow. e. Speaking the truth means keeping our promises whenever possible (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). It is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to keep it. Christians today should be known as people who keep their word.  2.  Christian Speech Should Be Godly.  a. Ephesians 4:29 speaks of corrupt, rotten language. Recall that what comes out of your mouth indicates what's in your heart (Matthew 15:18): “But the things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” If Christ indeed dwells in our hearts by faith, our speech should reflect that fact. b. Our ungodly speech can lead to more ungodliness (James 3:5-6). The reverse is also true. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Our words can uplift others and strengthen them (Ephesians 4:29). c. How do we, as Christians, ensure our speech is godly? We must continually focus on what is godly (Philippians 4:8-9). True and upright—everything that stands in opposition to lies and falsehood. “Noble"—honorable; dignified. "Just"—righteous, right with God and men. “Pure"—innocent; free from shame. “Lovely"—worthy, pleasant; agreeable. “Good report"—having a good reputation. "Virtue"—moral excellence. "Praiseworthy"—worthy of praise. We must eliminate anything from our minds that is not deserving of being there. We must not allow anything to dwell in our minds that does not belong there. d. How do we discern what is godly and what is not? By studying the Word! (2 Timothy 3:16-17) His Word helps us to discern between right and wrong, good and evil. We should approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:10). We must use the filter of God's Word to take captive thoughts that may lead to ungodly speech (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We must capture and expel sinful thoughts before they lead to sinful speech.  Invitation/Conclusion:  A Christian’s speech is vital to his eternal destiny (Matthew 12:34-37). Some here today, who are part of the body of Christ, may need to have their speech purified—repent and ask God for forgiveness.   February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/   Christian Living Tongue       Bobby Stafford February 2025

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

Serve One Another

 Serve One Another

Introduction: Jesus and his apostles were traveling to Jerusalem, where he would ultimately offer his life on the cross. An opportunity arises for him to impart a much-needed lesson on service. Consider Matthew 20:25-28. Spiritual greatness is not determined by the number of people who serve us but rather by the amount of service we give. Shortly before his death, he taught another profound lesson on service in Matthew 25:34-40. When we serve others, we are, in essence, serving the Lord. While God's word informs us of many ways to serve one another, let us focus primarily on two: being hospitable and visiting each other.

 Be Hospitable. In describing Christian behavior, Paul, by inspiration, used these words (Romans 12:10, 13): “seeking after, striving for.” The word “hospitality” conveys the idea of welcoming others into your home and showing them love and generosity. This includes people you may not know very well. The attitude with which one extends hospitality is also very important (1 Peter 4:8-10). 

Many biblical examples have been provided for us in God's word to learn from.

a) In 2 Kings 4:8-11, a woman showed hospitality to Elijah, the prophet. Years later, the kindness she had extended to him was repaid many times over when Elijah raised her son from the dead.

b) In 3 John 5-8, the recipient is known for assisting both brethren and strangers. He welcomes them and then sends them on their journey. Some of these individuals are missionaries who “went forth for his name's sake." By welcoming and supporting them during their mission to spread the gospel, he becomes a fellow worker for the truth.

c) In Luke 10:38-42, we find a familiar account of two sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany, just east of Jerusalem. Jesus was welcomed into Martha's house. Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus were close friends of Jesus. However, Martha became overwhelmed with the tasks of serving and was “worried and troubled with many things.” 

From this account, we can learn important lessons about hospitality. Martha may have been trying to do too much; a simple meal is often preferable to a grand feast. It seems that she was overly focused on the details and wanted everything to be perfect. Our home does not need to look as though it came from the cover of a magazine, nor does it require immaculate cleanliness. Martha's preoccupation with serving caused her to miss the opportunity to spend time with Jesus. We should prioritize time with our guests over excessive preparation, for that is what truly matters. 

2. Visit One Another.

A key component of pure and undefiled (acceptable) religion is to visit orphans and widows (James 1:27). A visit includes activities such as showing interest, cheering, comforting, strengthening, encouraging, and providing assistance. Throughout time, God has desired for His people to care for those in need, as emphasized in Psalm 146:5-9. 

Those who need visiting include widows (Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 5), the sick and afflicted (Matthew 25), and individuals who are elderly or shut-in at home (Proverbs 16:31). Let us remember the psalmist’s words in Psalm 41:1-3: “Blessed is he who considers the poor.” 

Conclusion/invitation: Have you been lacking in your Christian service lately? 

February, 2025

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

For more lessons and Sermons, please visit

https://granbychurchofchrist.org/

https://granbychurchofchrist.com/  

Christian Living

     
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

Christ Our Passover

 

Christ Our Passover Introduction: Jesus is the central figure in the Bible, especially in the Passover. Many principles in the Passover point to Christ. 1.      Exodus 12- the Passover begins a.      the book of Exodus describes how God freed his people from Egyptian slavery. Because Pharaoh's heart was hardened, God punished Egypt with 10 plagues. As God was about to send the 10th and final plague, he gave commands to his people on how to escape the destruction of the firstborn so they would not be killed. b.     The Passover sacrifice was a male lamb, without blemish, to be sacrificed in the late afternoon (Exodus 12: 3-6). No bones of the lamb were to be broken (Exodus 12: 46). The blood of the lamb was to be spread around the door frame of the houses where the Passover meal was to be eaten (Exodus 12: 7). The meal was to be eaten that night along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Exodus 12: 8- 10). They were to eat in a hurry, ready to leave Egypt at any moment (Exodus 12: 11). The blood around the door frames would be a sign to God, and He would “pass over” their houses and not destroy the firstborn (Exodus 12: 13). The Passover celebration was to be repeated throughout the generations as a memorial forever (Exodus 12: 14). 2.      The Passover and Christ (Exodus 12: 1-2) a.      The feast marked a new year and a new beginning in Christ, every believer is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5: 17 ). b.     The Passover lamb had to be without blemish (Exodus 12: 5). Christ, our Passover, was inspected by the pilot, Herod, Annas, and Caiaphas.  None could find fault (John 1: 29; 1 Peter 1: 18-21; 1 Peter 2: 21- 24 ). c.      Jesus was sacrificed and died the same night as the Passover lamb (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31 & 42). d.     The Passover was to be kept as a remembrance of how God had delivered them from Egyptian slavery. e.      Jesus instituted the Lord's supper at the Passover (Luke 22: 19- 20). Every first day of the week, when we partake of the Lord's supper (Acts:20:7), we remember how our Passover lamb died for us on the cross and shed his blood.   Conclusion:  Revelation 7:13-17 depicts a great scene of the saved in Christ. It is never too late for those whose sins have never been washed away in baptism to accept Jesus as their Passover.    Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford March 17, 2024 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/

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