SHOW YOUR LABOR OF LOVE FOR CHRIST!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY AUGUST 28, 2022.

SUBJECT: SHOW YOUR LABOR OF LOVE FOR CHRIST!

Memory verse: "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love, which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Hebrews 6 vs 10.)

READ: First Thessalonians 1 vs 2 - 4:

1:2: We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

1:3: remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

1:4: knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

INTIMATION:

Your labor of love for Christ is primarily your commitment to Christ out of love for Him. Through your ministry you prove your faithfulness to the saints and Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me..” (John 14 vs 21.) “ “...If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word...” (John 14 vs 23.) Jesus said that His followers show their love for Him by their commitment and conduct toward His commandments. Jesus, before ascension, left His followers with specific commandments which is called the “Great Commission”: 

“And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 20.)

“And He said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not  believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16 vs 15 - 16.)

Prior to His ascension, Jesus left the disciples with those last words of instruction: They are under His authority, and are to go into all the world with the Good News,”, telling everyone that He had paid the penalty for sin and that those who believe in what He has done for us on the cross and declare it are forgiven and live eternally with God. In spreading the “Good News” many people will join them as disciples of Christ. The new believers will be baptized and will be taught to obey God. It’s not an option but a command to all who call Jesus “Lord.”

The commission is to go all over the world preaching the “Good New.” You can start from your family, next door, your colleague in the office, and to town, state etc. Your assignment can be within the area you are capable to reach. There are other believers in other places to do the same work. Now that the whole has become a global, and life has been made less stressful by technology, you can reach anywhere in the world staying at a place. 

It’s obvious we are not all evangelists, pastors, preachers, apostles, prophets, and so on, in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill thr “Great Commission.” Where you cannot go, or what you cannot do, your money or possession can assist you through others to accomplish the same task in obedience to Christ. As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.

Christians today in all parts of the world are telling this gospel to people who haven’t heard about Christ. On personal assessment, where are you in this assignment of laboring in love for Christ! Do you ever feel as though you don’t have the skill or determination to be a witness for Christ? Even if you don’t, God has blessed with other gifts you can serve Him with. You must personally realize that Jesus arose from the dead and lives for you today. You are bought with a price, therefore, you are committed to Him, and should glorify Him with whatever you have. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, He will give you both the opportunities and the inner strength to spread His message.

For instance, the apostle Paul, in comparing himself to other disciples. gave instances of his labor for Christ in First Corinthians 11 vs 23 - 29, enumerated all he had encountered in witnessing for Christ. Can you, as a Christian, make a list of encounters and achievements in this regard? This should the  starting point for all believers.

Jesus chose the believers and appointed us to go and bear fruit, and our fruit should remain. We didn’t choose Him, He chose us. Being chosen by God comes from the heart of God (not our minds), and should be an incentive to please God (not ignore Him), and should give birth to gratitude (not complacency). Human responsibility requires that we actively confess Christ as Lord, focus on living to please Him, and share the gospel with others. God’s choice of us energizes us to obey and to serve. Our choice of God challenges us to build lives worthy of Him. As you consider God’s selection of you. how do you respond? 

God is just in all His ways. He never forgets or overlook our hard work for Him. Though, you may not be receiving rewards and acclaim presently, but God knows your efforts of love and ministry. Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every one according to His work” (Revelation 22 vs 12). Let God’s love for you and His ultimate knowledge of your service for Him bolster you as you serve, and face disappointment and rejection here on earth, knowing that your reward awaits you.

Prayer: Abba Father, I love You with all my heart, and my labor of love for You abound. Give me the grace to be steadfast in my service to You, Your kingdom, and others, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!