What a great day at FBC Harvester!!! We wrapped up our Empowered series in a big way and launched a new resource that allows people to find a place to serve based on their gifting instead of just seeing a list of ministry opportunities. Here are my notes from today message!
EMPOWERED
Use IT or Lose IT!
Matthew 25:14-30
3 MODES OF LIVING
- Survival Mode – people in this mode are simply getting by.
*When asked hows it going, people in this mode tend to say, Same ole same ole.
*They are caught on the treadmill life – doing a lot but not going anywhere!
- Success Mode – people in this mode are pushing forward and seeing success.
*They live to a standard of success taught by media & the world, but not on the standards of the Gospel.
*They may be climbing the ladder and seeing great success, but the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall!
*The Key is to have the right Measuring Stick!
- Significance Mode – people in this mode have a sense of depth, meaning, hope, & significance.
*People in the Significant mode understand Who they are, Whose they are, and Why they are here.
**Who – They know who they are and who they aren’t and try to live authentically in their own skin.
**Whose – They understand who they live for and that we have been bought with a high price and the Cross is the receipt for that purchase.
**Why – They know their purpose and live in that purpose regardless of what they have to endure.
***Noah built the ark regardless of the nay sayers
***Moses gave up riches to wander in the Desert.
***David fought Goliath when no-one else would.
***Daniel continued to Pray
The sad reality is that some people are so Earthly minded that they are no Heavenly good.
IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT REMEMBER …
1. All that you have is GODS GIFT.
*We own nothing! It’s not about ownership, but stewardship!
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silverto one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.” Matthew 25:14-15 (NLT)
*If you want to know how much you own, just die! The reality is you can’t take any of this stuff with you!
*God’s not concerned with what you have but what you do! He already knows what you have because He gave it to you!
2. God’s Gift will be used for GOD’S GLORY.
*Every ability is an opportunity, and every opportunity has responsibility tied to it!
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ Matthew 25:23-27 (NLT)
*A Saving Faith is a Serving Faith
*Lessons to be Learned
**Be a COURAGEOUS servant.
“… and I was afraid …” v. 25a
Reality – If you are a leader … you will be criticized!
**Be a CREATIVE servant.
“… and went and hid your talent in the ground …” v. 25b
Reality – if you play it safe, you lose and so do others.
**Be an AMBITIOUS servant.
“… you wicked and lazy servant …” v. 26a
Reality – Wickedness is not just doing things you know you shouldn’t do, but not doing the things you know you should! Excuses may be good for yo momma, not your Master!
**Be a PROPERLY MOTIVATED servant.
“Lord. I knew you to be a hard man …” v. 24a
3. God’s Glory will result in YOUR GAIN.
*AFFIRMATION
“Well done good and faithful servant …” v. 21a
*PROMOTION
” … you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things …” v. 21b
*CELEBRATION
” … Enter into the joy of your lord.” v. 21c
Hope you have enjoyed this series. Now the challenge is for all of us to use the Gift/s that God has given us. If you would like to take a spiritual gifts test, feel free to click here and take the test we provide as a church. If you would like to listen or watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.
Dan Gould 