Category: Servant

Subject: Servant

We Are Stewards!

Do you ever think of yourself as a steward of Jesus Christ? Paul writes that we are! “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

The Greek word translated steward in the text is oikonomos, and is defined as “the manager of a household or of household affairs; especially a steward, manager, superintendent” (Thayer). It is used figuratively here to indicate a servant, but one who is given authority to accomplish important tasks. In other words, stewardship indicates service to Christ where we accomplish what he has given us to do.

Wayne Fancher said in a recent sermon that even the one talent man was given a lot of responsibility. One talent is a lot of money. When we think of servitude, we tend to think of someone as low as possible on the social ladder.  Not so with a steward.  He was certainly bound, but with responsibility, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful”

So think of study, prayer, meditation, the practice of pure religion (cf. James 1:27), attendance, evangelism, love, etc. as duties given my God.  Responsibilities for which you will be held accountable.

A sobering thought, isn’t it?

 

Elijah’s Life and Departure to Heaven

The second chapter of 2 Kings relates the departure of the prophet Elijah from the earth.  There is much about the chapter that is peculiar, but it clearly demonstrates both the power of God, and the significance of this man of God who did so much during his life.

We are all familiar with portions of Elijah’s life.  Although his youth and entrance as a prophet are shrouded in mystery, his actions during his time as a representative of the Almighty were glorious. Continue reading “Elijah’s Life and Departure to Heaven”

Short Sermon: Jesus, A Servant of Men

David Hightower relates in this short lesson how Jesus showed Himself willing to serve others. He washed the feet of the disciples. More to the point, He willingly gave up His life by dying on the cross. We should be servants as well.

Sermon: A Lesson on Service and Humility

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In John 13:1-17, Jesus taught by example a lesson on service and humility by washing the feet of His disciples. There are lessons for us as well.

Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)

Scroggins Meeting

All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021

Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World

Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.

Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness

Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.

Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction

Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.

Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism

When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”

Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship

The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.

Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?

Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.

Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?

Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.

Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ

A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.

Sermon: 6 Reminders from Galatians

6 Reminders from Galatians

There are a number of important concepts Paul reminds us of in his letter to the Galatians. Things like not living for the approval of others, and the fact that our worth is inseparable from our Lord.

Sermon: The Judgment of Stewardship

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Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 give us some interesting and important insight into the importance of stewardship, and the reality that judgment comes from God, not man.

Sermon: Hearts of Servants

The Lord’s admonition of his disciples in Matthew 20:24-28 expresses very clearly that as Christians we should not seek exaltation, but should have the hearts of servants.

Sermon: Tim Stevens Meeting, Spring 2019

Spring Meeting 2019

1 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to the Future of the Church?

2 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Forgiveness?

3 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Anger?

4 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Time?

5 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Attitude Toward God’s Word?

6 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Influence?

7 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Humility & Servitude?

8 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Repentance?

9 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Persecution & Endurance?

An Earnest and Urgent Pursuit of Heaven

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The Christian is defined by his purpose in life. It is not to get wealthy, not to get famous, not to “go for the gusto”, it is to serve the Lord. Few people live for this purpose. “…narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:14).

The Bible reveals clearly two truths. First, men ought to have service to the Lord as their primary purpose in life. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Second, if a man lives his life without serving God, his life is ultimately empty of meaning. “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). (Note: the phrase “under the sun” indicates works that are done without an acknowledgment of God’s existence). Stated simply, the only way to have a meaningful life is to put God first.

Continue reading “An Earnest and Urgent Pursuit of Heaven”

Sermon: The Joy of Serving the Lord

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What are some things we can do to help us remember the joy of serving the Lord in a world full of darkness and sin?

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The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

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Speaker: Josh Cox

The Parable of the talents expresses the importance of bearing fruit, and continued growth as servants of the Lord.

Applications are made regarding the responsibilities we have as members of a local congregation.

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Sermon: Christians are Servants

Image As Christians, our service to God and His Son must be characterized by complete devotion (cf. Romans 6:15-23).

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From the Preacher’s Pen: Greatness Through Service

ImageIn Philippians 2:8 we read that as our Lord came to earth as a man, He humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross. We are so thankful for that humility, as it is the basis of our own reconciliation with God.

Interestingly, Paul wrote that because Jesus did what He did, the Father in heaven rewarded Him. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (2:9-11). This is in keeping with what scripture teaches us concerning God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

It is a lesson we would do well to learn. It is a lesson Jesus taught His disciples by example (by washing their feet), and by His words, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:14-17).

In the Kingdom of Christ, “he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves” (Luke 22:26). Greatness is found through service, and glory is found through humility before God and men.

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Sermon: Who is the minister at your church?

Who is the minister at your churchThis question is commonly asked, and is answered scripturally in this sermon by referencing the work of the evangelist, the deacon, and the required service (ministry) of every Christian.

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