A GOOD WORKMAN OF GOD WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

Sunday 21 April 2013

Sermon by Dcn GEORGE ANSAH

Romans 12:1,2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A. SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED TO GOD

Living a life of a christian is not an easy road. To be a real christian is not an easy road to ply. To be a real christian requires temperance; but show yourself approved. Working for God in every aspect is no mean feat: Going for outreach programmes is not easy; but show yourself approved to God.

Paul said we should show ourselves approved to God in season and out of season.

Christ showed Himself approved to God His father.

As disciples we should also show ourselves approved to God and in due time He will glorify Himself through us. Apostle Assabil once said that, as Christians we should 'imitatable' (people should desire to imitate us) in our working environment. We should be an example for others to emulate.

Timothy kept to his purpose to teach and explain God's word to his followers to understand what God wants to do in the lives of every individual. As approved children of God, we should be able to teach and explain God's word to others to also understand what God wants to do in the lives of people.

B. A WORKMAN OF GOD WHO NEEDS NOT TO BE ASHAMED

Philippians 2:3-5

'Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

We always feel ashamed telling people about God's great love for human beings. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every' (Romans 1:16)

We should be bold. Peter preached God's word and many people comprising 5000 men repented. (Acts 4:1-4), so why be ashamed?

As workmen of God, we need to stand firm for what we believe.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) As workmen of God we need to train up our children to be like Christ.

As good workmen of God, we should let our light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify the father in heaven. Someone has to look up to you for change of life in terms of our speech, behavior, thought and the way we even walk.

How do people see you at your work, house or community? Someone definitely has to look up to you for a life change.

We need to work as workmen of God who need not be ashamed.

C. BUT RIGHTLY EXPLAINING THE WORD OF TRUTH

Before someone can rightly give an exposition on God’s word to others, he should pray and ask for God’s guidance to be able to do it for others to understand.

Do we pray for God’s guidance?

How often do we ask God for His protection in doing his work?

How often do we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in all we do?

But you yourself must be an example to them

Titus 2:7,8

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

1 Timothy 4:12-16

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.