Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Second, he says, "I have plenty of time to put things right before the master comes." This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him. Second Timothy 2:15 says, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. The servants that will be approved are the ones who study and correctly handle Gods truth. It shall come about when they say, Why has the. Application Question: How can we allow Gods power to work through us? Would he be pleased with you? This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. I am ruined for I have unclean lips, and I come from a people of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5, paraphrase). Job says that he has treasured the Word of God more than his daily bread (Job 23:12). Luke tells us that the servant who knows the Will of Jesus and does not get ready or does not do what Jesus wants will be beaten with many blows. God calls Joshua to meditate on the law day and night and to obey it, with the promise that he will prosper if he does so (Josh 1:7-8). But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. There he will cry and gnash his teeth. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the Lord God.. Sermon Notes: Why the Lord is my Shepherd? - And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterwards to be spoken; but Christ, as Son over his house.We have already anticipated the explanation of this passage, which, according to the view taken above, is a setting forth of the distinction between Christ and Moses intended from the first; that of one being "Son . What I now understand is that being a servant of God is not defined by what I do, but by who I am. Although I am less than the least of all Gods people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (Ephesians 3:8), Next, Paul says something that is linguistically impossible but, at the same time, theologically possible, when he calls himself less than the least of all Gods people. It literally means the leaster or less than the least.2. He will pardon your sin and restore you. (Ephesians 3:8-12). Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants. Paul was not only in prison for the Gentiles, but for the Ephesians specifically. But they became disobedient and rebelled against You,And cast Your law behind their backsAnd killed Your prophets who had admonished themSo that they might return to You,And they committed great blasphemies. In verse 1, he says, For this reason. Then, almost abruptly, he explains his authority as a steward and servant of the gospel, as if some were not aware of it. There are many times when we feel we should take on a certain ministry because others expect it of us, (or we expect it of ourselves! This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. But they acted treacherously against the God of their fathers and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. God allowed Joseph to be a slave and a prisoner in preparation for saving many as second in command in Egypt. Serving God in whatever form must be motivated by love. Why? declares the, Furthermore, all the officials of the priests and the people were very unfaithful following all the abominations of the nations; and they defiled the house of the, For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the, But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the, For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the. And Judah was carried away into exile to Babylon for their unfaithfulness. He gives him an insatiable desire for it, and enables him to study it faithfully. We must have this mindset as well, not only about Christ, but also others. 45Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? Joseph had to wait years before his father and brothers bowed down before him as in his dream. I believe from List of faithful servants in the Bible, we all can lead true path of righteousness. Do we then hear about you that you have committed all this great evil by acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. He began his reign aged 16 and was faithful for many years but then, due to becoming proud as a result of his fame and success, he became arrogant and disobedient. Our God holds the kings heart in his hand like a watercourse (Prov 21:1). In fact, the Jews had Paul arrested, in part, for teaching it (cf. The integrity of the upright will guide them,But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. And as they learn more, they worship more fully. Christ says that apart from him you can do nothing (John 15:5). But there are many poignant examples of faithful servants throughout scripture who beautifully illustrate these qualities. He kept his eyes fixed on Christ and his mission of truth in love even through great trial and persecution, ultimately giving his life for the gospel. Robbie's solo is on acoustic guitar (but electric guitar on Rock of Ages) Richard is on piano. (Romans 1:1). Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Going where He leads often comes at a cost, but a servant of God pays it willingly. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you GentilesSurely you have heard about the administration of Gods grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by the word mystery? Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version , Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Paul discipled Timothy, and Barnabas discipled Mark. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of Gods grace given me through the working of his power. So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him. Jesus looked at who the faithful and wise servant as being those people who gives them self up to the service of Christ. But you say, How have we defiled You? In that you say, The table of the Lord is to be despised. But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? Sometimes, he may actually call us to serve in areas where we are weak or even incompetent, so his power can be clearly displayed. Following Jesus leads to rejection and persecution from the world. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Your silver has become dross,Your drink diluted with water. Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians and the Amorites. Horns: Garth - sax, trumpet, Rick - trombone, Richard . Interestingly, Paul calls himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:15, he calls himself the chief of sinners. The word became can also be translated was made (ESV). Acts 26:16 records these words of Jesus to Paul, Now get up and stand on your feet. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul says, We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. In fact, God desires our ample submission whenever He says anything (Ephesians 6:5-8). It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Surely you have heard about the administration of Gods grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. B. Your rulers are rebelsAnd companions of thieves;Everyone loves a bribeAnd chases after rewards.They do not defend the orphan,Nor does the widows plea come before them. Sermon: Faithfulness is the Key to God's Blessings, Sermon Notes: Healing a Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, Sermon notes: 6 things that the Lord hates and the 7 things that are detestable to Him, New Year Sermon: An old Challenge for a New Year, Fathers Day Sermon: Qualities of a Godly Father. When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord.. Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the Lord, valiant men. In Ephesians 2:6-7 Paul says. I believe faithfulness is a significant characteristic of every follower and disciple also. 6. He lost his sense of accountability; the Master wasnt there to look over his shoulder. One day, at Christs second coming, he will survey our stewardship. The Apostle Paul calls himself a bondslave of Jesus Christ (Rom. Their hearts are especially trained in covetousness, and like Balaam, they are willing to do just about anything for personal gain. C. Because our Master is not a man with skin, we sometimes forget that He is still watching us. David says he praises the Lord seven times a day for his righteous laws (Psalm 119:164). For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to doliving in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.. This was an accusation the Jews fabricated because of their animosity towards him and his teachings. Matthew 24:34-51 instructs us to keep watch because you do not know at what hour your Lord comes. Abraham obeyed God, even when it didnt make sense. You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. We must live in Gods Word to minister in his power. He was in prison because Christ allowed itChrist was his captor. Jesus, though he was God himself incarnate, submitted himself completely to the will of his Father, becoming a servant, a willing slave, the very incarnation of love itself. Then he returns to his original thought in verse 14 with For this reason, as he shares his prayer for Gods church. A servant is a very common person and addition of faithfulness makes him/her distinct and unique person. Serving means doing.. A true disciple seeks Gods wisdom and follow the will of the Holy Spirit of Lord. 51The master will cut him in pieces[a] and make him share the fate of the hypocrites. 28 Bible Verses about Unfaithful Exodus 21:8 Verse Concepts If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. Interpretation Question: Who are the rulers and authorities God is teaching through the church? Are they servants of Christ? I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:19), Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; He believed Gods integrity and sovereignty even in the harder circumstance of his life. We do not want to be among those who are going after the worldly things such as gluttony, drunkenness, or lustful behavior. We should study Gods Word so we can declare his multi-colored wisdom to everyone, and as we share it, even the angels learn (cf. The Great Commission is not just about sharing the gospel; it is about leading people to Christ and discipling them according to his Word. It has been said that before man, the angels knew very little about Gods grace. Being a servant of God is not about the work of our hands. A servant of God has a humble attitude. Paul says, surely you have heard about the administration of Gods grace that was given to me (Eph 3:2). And it came about in King Rehoboams fifth year, because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. A. Indeed, he followed whatever told to him by the Lord. That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment, Speak to the sons of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins of mankind, acting unfaithfully against the, When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the. Paul previously taught the Ephesians about this power. Oh that I had in the desertA wayfarers lodging place;That I might leave my peopleAnd go from them!For all of them are adulterers,An assembly of treacherous men. Patient, kind, long-suffering, forgiving, he gave himself for us. A person who does not demonstrate humility is one who takes credit for everything that happens to him instead of giving God all the glory. This is basic, but it's essential. His job began to suffer, (you cant be diligent in pursuit of the Masters business and pursue your own selfish, sinful desires at the same time.). He worshipped the true God and remained faithful in every condition. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. Are you devoted to Gods Word? (Job 1-42), Samuel was quick to answer Gods call, presenting himself as a willing servant at the mention of his name. Instead of demanding our rights and privileges from others, we must instead submit to them and seek their benefit over ours. Her reply was very modest and polite. Your email address will not be published. Jesus continues to say there will be two women grinding at the mill, one shall be taken and the other felt. This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. In Ephesians 1, he prays that they may comprehend the great power at work in them, the same power that raised Christ from the dead (v. 19-20). What are marks of faithful servantsthose who will hear God say, Well done!? This means for us that we should be found doing the Will of the Father not following the will of the world. amzn_assoc_asins = "1594100233,0801068193,1629110027,1098071980"; Kingdom Bloggers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Lets take this passage apart and find out what it says to us. When you become the father of children and childrens children and have remained long in the land, and act corruptly, and make an idol in the form of anything, and do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord your God so as to provoke Him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. (Luke 1:26-38), Paul served God faithfully and his loyalty for preaching the gospel was significant. He says. In order to have Gods power work in us, we must believe the promises in Gods Word. This has been Gods plan from eternity. Faithful Bible teachers are diligent. Serving the Lord can look like this, and it often does, but it isnt only this. That is how it is going to be with the coming of the Lord. We often are like this as well. This secret is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (v. 6). Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians and the Amorites. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross! (Phillipians 2:6-8). This mans true character came out when his Masters back was turned. According to Genesis 12-22 Abraham was ready to sacrifice his most precious belongingness i.e. Christianity compared to other religions. But the wicked will be cut off from the landAnd the treacherous will be uprooted from it. This is because those that have been given much will be demanded much. This was true of Paul. All that matters is to love one another. This is not true; in fact, understanding Gods Word directs and increases our capacity to love. Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say. God makes his servants. He was in service for his Master. Paul already mentioned how he received grace to understand and share the mystery. Nevertheless, she trusted Gods words and His divine purpose. Everybody needs to be accountable to somebody! One of the problems with much of the church today is its unwillingness to suffer. 47The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping. What information about this servant can we glean from the biblical account? He began to live just for the moment, with no thought of the future. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Jesus is teaching his disciples that our Actions Reveal What We Truly Believe . Did not Achan the son of Zerah act unfaithfully in the things under the ban, and wrath fall on all the congregation of Israel? The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Both have been given the charge of caring for the household and the other servants while the master is away. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul describes much of his suffering. Christ probably wasnt saying that the disciples hadnt prayed to cast out the demon. Therefore, he humbles us through difficulties and trials so his power can be made perfect in our lives. Most likely they became spiritually lazy and therefore lacked power. While considering Pauls parenthesis about his stewardship, we discern marks of a faithful servantand these should both encourage and challenge us. So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it. Hence, List of faithful servants in the Bible encourages every Christian to obey Gods will firmly. Matthew 24:44-51; Luke 12:35-48. This was the attitude of Christ, who suffered and died so that we could know God and have eternal life. When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the, And it came about in King Rehoboams fifth year, because they had been unfaithful to the, But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the, Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the, They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the. The church wants its Best Life Now, and therefore is not willing to suffer for Christ and others. Or would he receive you kindly? says the Lord of hosts. 48But if he is a bad servant, he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time, 49and he will begin to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Faithful servants do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than themselves.