A Mind to Work

Matthew Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000040

Subject: service

Preached Originally: 07/16/00 - Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Thomas Edison: I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.

B.    Work is something that is necessary in the Christian life.

1.    Both individually and as a congregation.  Congregations do their work when the individuals realize their responsibility and get involved.

2.    We must have a mind to work.

C.   We have such a story in Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was a comtemporary of Ezra & was a cupbearer in the Persian palace.

1.    May remember that the Jews had been carried off into captivity several years before. 

a)    bands & small groups were now slowly being released back to their homeland.  Seeking to rebuild.

b)    Great opposition from the outside and discouragement from within.

2.    6:15 - told that the completion of the walls around Jerusalem was completed in 52 days.

D.   4:1-3 - met w/opposition in building the wall.  Faced w/ridicule & scorn.  Jews had no respect.

1.    4:6 - despite this, the people got out and worked.  Notice the last phrase of 4:6 - the people had a mind to work. 

2.    Despite the fact that:

a)    there weren't that many around them.

b)    They were despised by others

c)    It seemed like an impossible task - where in the previous wall had been completely destroyed.

d)    But yet - with the Lord's help - they completed the Lord's task!

3.    Note again - they had a mind to work!

E.    Christians/congregations today MUST have this mind!

1.    This = the kind of mindset we must have while we engage in the work here!

2.    Often:  temptation is to b/c so worried; so terrified by the opposition that we STOP working.  This can lead to the DEATH of the local congregation!

3.    Congregations can:

a)    experience a few setbacks.

b)    Declining #'s

c)    Budget strains

4.    Before you know it - people begin to dwell on the negatives; talk about the grim prospects; and talk themselves into death - by ceasing the work of the Lord.

F.    In this morning's lesson we will talk about some important areas that Christians and congregations need to be actively working in - so that God may be glorified.

 

I.  We must have a mind to work: in building up each other.

A.    Yes - this takes work & is often neglected in many congregations.

1.    Eph. 4:29 - learn to be tenderhearted; loving.  Must seek to have the spirit of Christ.  This is often learned behavior. 

2.    Rom. 14:19 - There is a need to edify one another. 

a)     involves much more than just socializing at the church building before/after services.  We must get involved in the lives of brethren!

b)     1 Thess. 5:12-22 - note the need to build up each other mentioned here.

c)     Doesn't mean that we be tolerant to sin & sinful behavior - but that we seek to encourage one another to become better Christians.

B.    Heb. 10:24-25 - one of the easiest ways.

1.         make an effort to be here for ALL services!  Tonight!  Wednesday!

2.         Quote from absence is a symptom.

3.         You can make a difference in building up others - by your presence at services!

C.   I believe that many here have a mind to work when it comes to building up each other! 

1.    isn't it great to be part of the Southside family?

2.    To see the warmth/love/friendships growing?

3.    Let us not stop.  Continue on - so much more can be done.  Keep working at it.

 

II.  We must have a mind to work: to restore the erring.

A.    Js. 5:19-20 - must seek to turn the erring from their way.

1.    Not just the preachers job.  You deal w/that; this person, etc…

2.    This = an individual responsibility!  Should be motivated by our mutual love and concern for each other to save a soul from death!

3.    Have some here who fallen away - struggling; turned back to the world.

4.    Are we concerned enough to go talk w/them?  Encourage them to do better?

B.    Gal. 6:1-2 - restore the erring.

1.    kid running off cliff - would you run after them to stop them?

2.    If not for a kid - why not a bro/sis who running off a spiritual cliff?

C.   1 Cor. 5:1-13 - if after exhorting the erring bro/sis & their failure to put off sin - we MUST NOT have fellowship with them.

1.     or we could receive the same rebuke as the Corinthians did here.

2.     Could we be in danger of receiving the same rebuke?

D.   Let us have a mind to work - at restoring the erring.  We must at least do our part!

 

III.  We must have a mind to work: to save men from sin.

A.    The gospel is for all.  We must tell others about it.

1.    Harris J. Dark quote

2.    Do we understand the personal responsibility here?

B.    Here, especially, is where we often lose a mind to work b/c of the seemingly endless setbacks.

1.    tempted to just throw up hands & say what's the use?

2.    Note today's article in the bulletin entitled "Lives that Shine."

3.    Like the people of Nehemiah's day - despite the opposition; setbacks; budget concerns - we can accomplish much good!

C.   Jhn. 4:35 - the fields are white for harvest.

1.    Mt. 9:37 - harvest plentiful but laborers are few.

a)    I believe what Jesus has said!  (plentiful)

b)    People want to hear!  They want to know!  They're looking for the Lord's church.

2.    1 Cor. 9:22 - Paul worked hard.  We must be willing to do the same.

D.   While working - we must remember that it is God who will give the increase!  (1 Cor. 3:6-7)

1.    We're working for His glory!

2.    W/a mind to work (not just talk) we can accomplish much good in a hurry!

 

IV.  We must have a mind to work: for our own personal growth and development as a Christian.

A.    This a true fact - many who are malnourished spiritually & immature for their spiritual age.

1.    always been a problem.  Heb. 2-6 - a good place to look.

2.    After a few years some get hardened by unbelief - all b/c they did not grow properly to start with.

B.    Must add to our faith - 2 Pet. 1:5-8.  Must grow up in Him - 3:18

C.   Get involved in:

1.    teaching a class - what better way to increase Bible knowledge?

2.    Doing something w/the young people!

3.    Having/conducting Bible studies in your home.

4.    Study the bible regularly!

 

V.  Christians must never let up in their mind to work!

A.    Warren Berkley has said: When you become a Christian, you decide to follow the Lord, do His work, cooperate with others in His work - AND YOU JUST KEEP DOING THAT regardless of how much money you don't have; regardless of how many people and regardless of any opposition.  You do the Lord's work because you love Him….not because all the circumstances are favorable!  We need the attitude of these good people (in Nehemiah) - which is called a mind to work.

B.    Jhn. 9:4 - must work now for time coming when we cant.

1.    Must work NOW while opportunities exist!

2.    We expected to be working now - Mt. 25:14-30

C.   Js. 1:22-25 - we will be blessed in what we do.

1.    see also 1 Cor. 15:58

2.    Let us keep our hearts focused and our heads up.

3.    As soon as we start crying about how hard it is & how bad things are - the devil sees our weakness & takes advantage of us!

4.    Shut up and go to work!

D.   There will always be opposition to what is good, right, and it starts when we obey the gospel!

E.    Through thick or thin - we must keep working!

 

Conclusion:

A.    The Lord is always hiring!  He's looking for workers.

B.    Have you gone to work for Him?  Would you like to go to work?

C.   Are you taking an extended break from your work?  Get back to service!

D.   The people of Nehemiah's day accomplished much good despite the circumstances.  We can to.

E.    Are you ready?

F.    I N V I T A T I O N