Introduction
There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness depends
on happenings, joy depends on a persons relationship with the Lord. When
we serve the Lord we can serve with joy.
We might be doing a undesireable work but if we are doing it for the
Lord; we can do it with joy. Notice the text and the emphasis of realizing
the joy that is ours.
1. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF SERVING.
2. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SALUTATIONS.
3. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF STRUGGLES.
4. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SUPREMACY.
A. A Bond Servant. (Mentioned 25 times in 24 verses)
Strong's # 1401 doulos (doo'-los); from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary;
Strong's # 1210 deo (deh'-o); a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively): KJV-- bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. See also 1163, 1189.
Strong's # 1189 deomai (deh'-om-ahee); middle voice of 1210; to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition: KJV-- beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare 4441. ***. deon. See 1163.
Strong's # 1163 dei (die); third person singular active present of 1210; used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding): KJV-- behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be)
SLAVE, SLAVERY
Paul spoke of himself as a "servant," a word sometimes rendered as
"bondservant" but frequently also as "slave" <Rom. 1:1; Titus 1:1>.
Christians, especially ministers, are not hired servants but slaves committed
to service to Jesus. A slave does not manage his own life. The person who
calls himself a slave of Christ acknowledges that the Savior has power
over him. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
Rom 6:16-18 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (KJV)
B. A Bond Servant of God..
C. A Bond Servant of Jesus Christ.
1. My conversation with my grandson as he asked "why does the Bible
call us slaves.
Acts 16:17, Rev 1:1, 2:20, of Jesus Phil 2:7
ILLUSTRATION:
Finding his newly-appointed pastor standing at his study window in
the church weeping as he looked over the inner city's tragic conditions,
a layman sought to console him: "Don't worry. After you've been here a
while, you'll get used to it." Responded the minister, "Yes, I know. That's
why I am crying."
APPLICATION:
When we recognize ourselves as bondservants we will not get used to
it. It will remain a priviledge, and a joy to serve.
A. Salutations to twelve tribes who are . . Descendants.
B. Salutations to twelve tribes who are . . Dispersed
ILLUSTRATION: From Readers Digest
A service repairman in the Kansas City subburbs received a call to
make a repair at the home of a family named "Sweetlands". Mr Sweetlands
told him they lived near the intersection of two major country roads just
as you get into Liberty and once he got to the two cross roads turn left.
He would then recognize their place.
The repairman tried to get additional directions Mr Sweetlands said trust me when you get into Liberty and you turn left at the two crossroads you will see our place.
The repairman proceded and when he got to the two cross roads he turned
left and look and saw a large sign with the letters "Sweetlands of Liberty".
APPLICATION:
Those folks had fun as they greeted people. We Christians can do the
same.
Trials vs Temptations, Look at verse 13.
A. Struggles produce . . Ecstasy. v 2
1. My personal joy when I discovered I had victory over a sin.
2. The folks in the text had Trials, but victory was also possible.
B. Struggles produce . . Endurance. v 3
Illustration:
After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary
work in India, his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him.
Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution.
Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could produce
the Scriptures in the local dialect. He had also prepared dictionaries
and grammars for the use of his successors.
One day while Carey was away, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the building, the presses, many Bibles, and the precious manuscripts, dictionaries and grammars. When he returned and was told of the tragic loss, he showed no sign of despair or impatience.
Instead, he knelt and thanked God that he still had the strength to
do the work over again. He started immediately, not wasting a moment in
self-pity. In England it sparked an interest that sent more money and materials
than he had ever received Before his death, he had duplicated and even
improved on his earlier achievements.
APPLICATION:
The trial produced great joy. Trusting Jesus gave joy in the midst of
the trial.
A. Supremacy through the . . Consent of Man. v 4 a
". . . let endurance have its perfect result,. . .
B. Supremacy through the . . Completion of God. v 4 b
". . . that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing.
ILLUSTRATION:
Why does Ivory soap float? America's favorite soap floats due to an
error in its original production -- too much air. In 1878, Harley Procter
and James Gamble decided to create a new white soap that would rival the
castile soaps made by their competitors. Their soap was a success, but
in 1879 a worker accidentally allowed the soap solution to be overmixed.
The new version of the soap was an immediate success because it bobbed
to the surface of the water.That's the way it is sometimes with our mistakes.
God turns them into something good.
APPLICATION:
Christ exaults His children. He makes us superior to the devils children. We walk humbly but know in Christ we have a confidence and a superior Master.
2. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SALUTATIONS.
3. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF STRUGGLES.
4. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SUPREMACY.
