1. The work of God is a responsibility

1 Corinthians 9:16-17 (HCSB)

16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because an obligation is placed on me. And woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a stewardship.

1. Jesus entrusted to us – conversion and discipleship of men, teaching them to obey as our primary focus. In other words, the administration of His affairs in the earth.

2. Furthermore, your very life belongs to God. ‘You were bought with a price. God has entrusted into your hands the fulfilment of a purpose. Your life must be administered in such a way as to enable you to administer the affairs of God in the earth.

2. We must ensure that we are useful to the Master

2 Timothy 2:20-21 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable[a] use, some for dishonorable.[b] 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,[c] he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

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3. We must be faithful and fruitful

Ephesians 6:21 (HCSB)

21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed.

Matthew 25:21;26-30 (hcsb)

21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’… 26 “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then[b] you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money[c] back with interest 28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

4. We must be diligent and wise

Serious, focused on the task;

cognisant of the value of what is entrusted into our hands;

ignore mockers

Nehemiah 2:20 (HCSB)

20 I gave them this reply, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 2:20 Amplified Bible (AMP)

20 I answered them, “The God of heaven [has appointed us for His purpose and] will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.”

5. Joyful

Serve the Lord with gladness

We are empowered for service

..Acts chapter 4.29-31

29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, 30 while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.–

• They were threatened but they said ‘we will continue’ and they prayed and the power fell.

They made a decision to continue despite the hardship and the threats

They asked for empowerment

God responded with power.