GOD’S FAITHFUL SERVANTS

Philippians 2:19-30.

God’s servants are people who work in the house of God. These include boys and girls who are saved from sin and are serving the Lord as ushers, choristers, and preachers of the gospel.

     Timothy, is an example of God’s servant and an obedient worker. He was very faithful and diligent in the work of God. He was a man of good character, beloved, dependable and devoted to the work of God. Today, Jesus is calling boys and girls to work for Him. The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. If you surrender your life to Christ now, He will save you and enlist you in His service.

     The study is divided into three parts:

1. CALL TO BE A FAITHFUL SERVANT: I Corinthians 4:2; John 1:12; 3:3.

     The chorus of this song describes the call of Jesus to every boy and girl. It goes thus “He has called us too, He has called us too, we are His disciples and His work we must do (2x)” During His earthly ministry, Jesus chose twelve disciples and sent them out to preach the gospel. Later, He chose other seventy people and also sent them out two by two to spread the good news of salvation to all men. Now, Jesus is calling boys and girls to work for Him. The population of the world is increasing every day. People need to hear the gospel before the world comes to an end. Therefore, you must surrender yourself now for God’s service.

     To be useful in God’s service, a sinner must first repent, ask for cleansing in the blood of Jesus and accept Christ as Saviour and Lord. Now that Jesus is your Lord, you must be ready to answer His call to serve Him.

2.  CHARACTER OF GOD’S FAITHFUL SERVANTS: Philippians 2:9-23; I Timothy4:12.

     God’s faithful servants are holy in word, thought and actions. Their behaviour shows that they are Christians. There are some examples in the Bible of faithful servants of God. God testified of Moses to be faithful in his house (Numbers 12:7). Apostle Paul gave the testimony about Timothy as an obedient, beloved and faithful servant who always preached the gospel. Also, Epaphroditus even at the point of death still served the Lord.

     The following are therefore some of the character of God’s faithful servants:

(a)  Saved from sin (John 1:12; II Corinthians 5:17).

(b)  Eager and obedient learner of the word of God (II Timothy 3:15).

(c)  Holy and righteous (I Peter 1:15).

(d)  Good example to others (Acts 16:1, 2; Matthew 5:14-16).

(e)  Sincere and dependable (I Corinthians 4:17).

(f)  Devoted to the gospel (II Timothy 4:2).

(g)  Concerned about others (Philippians 2:20-23).

     Learn from the character of these faithful servants and work for God Be a shining light and brighten your community. Jesus is depending on you.

3. CONTINUE TO SERVE GOD TILL THE END: Philippians 2:24-30; Matthew 24:13; II Timothy 3:14.

     You must make up your mind to continue to serve the Lord at all cost and in all situations. Epaphroditus was sick unto death because of God’s work, but he continued to serve God. “For whosoever shall endure unto the end shall be saved.” You will continue to the end in Jesus’ Name.

     To continue as God’s faithful servant you must: (i) read, think on the word and obey it. (ii) pray for the church of God, His ministers and sinners around you. (iii) care for new converts. (iv) visit and give to the needy. (v) be in fellowship with other believers. (vi) desire to know more about Christ. (vii) seek for the good of others and progress of the gospel. (viii) humble yourself, watch and pray. (ix) preach the word of God in season and out of season.

     The Lord is calling every boy and girl who are His friends to be faithful, selfless and dependable followers. They will enjoy God’s blessings in this present world, get to heaven where they will receive great rewards and live with Jesus forever.

QUESTIONS:

1.  Who is a servant of God?

2. Mention two examples of God’s faithful servants mentioned in our study today.

3.  (a) Can a sinful child be God’s faithful servant. Yes/No?

     (b) What must he do to become God’s faithful servant?

4.  Mention three characteristics of a faithful servant of God.

5.  To continue as God’s faithful servant, a friend of Jesus must __________, _________ and _________.

MEMORY VERSE: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. “(I Corinthians 4:2).

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 109 - TO THE WORK