September 13th, 2000, Wednesday Evening
"Command Performance"
Being a 'doer' of the word
OPENING: James 1:22, KJV
- Most of the time when you meet a friend, the exchange initially begins, "How are you
doing?" "Oh, alright..." But stop and think about that... Are you really doing
all right? The question should really be posed, "How are you?"
- We need to consider how we're "doing" in the manner and effectiveness of the
performance of God's word.
- We should encourage, consult, and be concerned for the welfare of one another
every day.
- God expects us to be "doers"--he loves us as much as be loves the most obedient
Christian in the world. However, through our actions, we can move ourselves closer/farther
away from a blessing from God. Therefore, we need to be doers of His word.
- TWO REASONS TO BE DOERS:
- #1/2: James 1:22: WE'RE COMMANDED TO.
- We have to read the bible, first, in order to get the information telling us how
to do.
- We should be doers so we may prevent self-deficiency. In other words, the
more we slack off in daily scripture reading, going to church, etc. the more we eventually
forget and stop practicing ... just as when you stop eating, your body will eventually
quit. Church turns the mirror on yourself so you may see who you really are to God.
Church is the place of golden opportunity to correct yourself
- Today, many folks' mentality is that they've done a good work by just coming
to church, listen and agree with the message, and leave. But the real test is what you
do with the word after.
- Acts 1:1: Being more effective in doing results in being a better
teacher to others to do.
- Ephesians 2:10: "that we should walk in them"--them being the
good works--is another way to say we should be doers.
- #2/2: 1 Corinthians 10:31: So the fruits of our labor go to
His glory. When we do good, we bring honor and glory to God's name.
- Colossians 3:18-19: Conduct of the husband and wife.
- Colossians 3:20: Don't work hard to look good to your boss.
Work hard to look good unto God. This helps us focus on having the right heart attitude
for anyone you work for--no matter how tough, mean, or unthankful they may be.
- Colossians 3:24: Bosses come and go and soon forget you. But God
never forgets your good deeds from Day-1. Your reward is waiting and building in heaven.
- Galatians 6:9: Don't give up. Continue the work ... and you will
be rewarded.
- HOW TO BE DOERS?
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: In whatever you do, no matter how tiny the
task, do to God's pleasing.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: In witnessing, cooking, doing laundry,
etc., the Lord is the central object you should always work for.
- Philippians 2:14: And do so without
murmuring and disputing.
- Colossians 3:17: ...and be sure to give thanks to God, as well.
- Colossians 3:23: Do not be a doer to please men.
- Philippians 2:13: When God's word tells us to do something,
strip yourself of your opinions because since God works in you, if you grumble and complain,
people will reflect God as someone who does the same. God works within his people--it's
for his good pleasure. If we murmur, "he does."
- Follow God's word without partiality. Whether that person is easy or difficult
to work for. Whether the pastor knows some of his church members hate him or not, he loves
and preaches to all of them.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40: Do things in order.
- 1 Corinthians 14:13: Drive to understand.
- Don't let routinely planned activities become "mechanical"--boring and
repetitive.
CLOSER
- James 1:22: We're created and commanded by God to be doers of His word.
