Responsibilities We Have
Scripture:
II Corinthians 4:1-7
Intro: The Christian is called “an earthen vessel”
(made of clay) and as a vessel is a repository (or
container) in which is deposited by God a treasure,
which makes him a treasury, from which withdrawals
are to be made for those in need of his help. We are
not talking only money, but talents, time, etc. not
some deposits. Eph. 5:16.
-
Light of the Gospel. II Cor. 4:4
-
Light of the Knowledge. II Cor. 4:6
I.
We Have This Ministry. (II Cor. 4:1; 5:18)
A.
Ministers of the New Testament. (II Cor. 3:6; I Cor.
4:1)
1.
There is something written on your life. (II Cor.
3:2)
a.
It is known of all men: profession. (II Cor.
5:17)
b.
It is read of all men: practice. Pages turn in
every turn of life and others read what your life
says whether you live it or not. Read you step by
step.
2.
There is someone writing in your life. (II Cor. 3:3;
Jn. 16:13)
a.
Writing truth in your heart. (Lk. 6:45; Pr. 4:23)
b.
Written truth can be charted.
B.
Ministering the New Testament. (Ro. 12:7; I Cor.
16:15; I Pet. 4:10,11)
1.
Fellowship of ministering. (II Cor. 8:4; 9:1)
(Giving)
2.
Fruitfulness of ministering. (Phil. 4:17)
Deposit: God has banked this in us and banks on us.
II.
We Have This Message. (I Cor. 2:1-2; II Cor. 4:3-4)
A.
The one message everybody needs: you have it.
1.
Adapts to every sinner: way to Heaven. (Jn. 14:6; Lk.
19:10)
2.
Adapts to every society: way out of Hell.
a.
Salvation for the sinner. (Mt. 11:28)
b.
Assurance for the addled. (Heb. 13:5)
c.
Grace for the grieved. (II Cor. 12:9)
d.
Comfort for the confused. (Isa. 50:4)
B.
The messenger everybody needs: you are it. (Ro.
10:15)
1.
Called ambassadors: from another country. (II Cor.
5:20)
2.
Called anointed: to another country. (I Jn. 2:27)
Deposit: God expects interest
III.
We Have This Mission. (Acts 1:8)
A.
This is the Church’s mission: Repository
1.
We have the means
2.
We have the message
B.
This is the Christian’s mission: Deposited
1.
You have the Spirit. (Gal. 4:6; Acts 1:8)
2.
You have the Scripture. (Heb. 4:12)
3.
You have the society. (Ezek. 33:8-9)