Once a person becomes a Christian, I believe it is imperitive that they seek out ways of serving God and seek out ways to glorify him in their life. Jesus sums up the life of a Christian very well in the story he tells his disciples in Luke 17: 7-10;
“Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? 9 He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? 10 So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”
Every Christian has a duty that they can do for the Lord and tonight we are going to examine 5 duties that Christians can do based on what Paul wrote in.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14
Do everything in love."
1) Watch (gregoreuo) stay awake...
When you read through the N.T. you will find several places where Christians are told to watch so they will remain faithful.
1. For instance; Elders are to watch out for our souls.
Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch (sleepless) out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
2. Christians should always be watching on how they conduct their lives so that they will be ready for the second coming of Christ.
Mark 13:35-37 "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming -- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning -- 36 "lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 "And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"
1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
3. Watch for opportunities to teach others about Christ.
John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"
How important was it for you to hear and understand, for the first time, the truth of what it means to be in a saved relationship with Christ Jesus???
Do others need what you have? How valuable is that person's soul; to God; to you...?
4. Watch out for false teachers.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test (examine) the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Romans 16:17-18 7 Now I urge (or comfort)you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
5. Watch our temper and our speech.
James 1:19-20 9 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift (Greek; prompt/ready/swift) to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Others are watching our every move, so should we. Be careful of your speech and make sure we say only beneficial things for others to hear.
God Bless...
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