Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. Servants have to serve even when those they serve don't appreciate it. They know that God watches their service and is pleased. A church that serves is a church where God's presence is felt very strongly.
From the Moody Church in Chicago, this is running to win. with Dr. Erwin Lutzer, whose clear teaching helps us make it across the finish line. Pastor Lutzer, I was visiting a megachurch near where I live, and when I came to the door, the senior pastor opened it. Despite his fame, this man had a servant's heart, and we need more like him.
Well, Dave, we certainly do, and maybe someday I'll be able to visit that church. There aren't too many mega churches who have pastors who are willing to open the door. Of course, it's very important for us to recognize that everyone in a church has a responsibility. The pastor can't be everywhere. Thank God for all those volunteers and helpful people within our churches who welcome others.
who encourage others. and pray with them. I like to think of the body of Christ as indeed an organism that works together. in harmony. As a matter of fact, if you were to fall your hands would probably go out to protect your head.
And that's the way we should be in the body of Jesus Christ, always protecting one another. I've written a book entitled Managing Your Emotions, and at the end of this message, I'm going to be giving you some contact info as to how this resource can be yours. But let's remember we are all called to serve.
Some serve publicly, some serve privately, but the good news is God is watching, and when God comes to church, People begin to serve spontaneously voluntarily and happily. Let's listen. If our ministry does not in any way affect our checkbook, if it does not affect the way in which we give, if it does not affect our motivation, We are not Christ-like in our service. God has not yet come to church. As long as we're hung up on all these things.
So Paul says, I made that, the sacrifice of that, the sacrifice of devotion. He says, We were holy and righteous and blameless before you. And I say this to the pastoral staff and all the leadership at Moody Church: that we, Who are in leadership should be more holy, more righteous, and more blameless. Than we even expect our congregation to be. That's a note of conviction.
For all of us.
So Paul says here He says, there's a sacrifice to servanthood. And then he says, what is the goal? The goal here is in verses 11 and 12. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God. What's it all about?
What are we trying to do? with our teenagers. What are we trying to do with our leadership? What are we doing in our adult Bible fellowships? What are we trying to accomplish?
At the end of the day, what we want is character, people who walk worthy of God, in keeping with the dignity. of belonging Yeah. When I was growing up, We as kids used to say to our mother and father like most kids do, well, we can't do this. Why can't we do this? Because look at the neighbors, they're doing that.
And our parents used to always say, now their name is, and then they'd give the name, and then they'd say, but you know, you're a lootzer, and this is a different family.
Now I don't know whether or not that helped. But it should have. And so I say to those of you today who are Christians: the world can do this, this, this, but you can't because guess what? You belong to a different family. Thank you very, very much.
We are to walk. Were they? Husbands should treat their wives in a manner that is worthy. Teenagers should watch television programs that are worthy. Yeah.
And you can go down the list. That's the goal of it all. Alexander the Great, it is said, one of his. Generals became a coward. And turned away in battle, and Alexander the Great found him.
and shook him. And asked him this question. He says, what is your name? And the general says, my name is Alexander. And Alexander became enraged and shook him even harder and said, either change your character or change your name.
God says to us today, you know, you are mine. You're to walk worthy of God, either change your character or change your nature. Name.
So that's the Goal of discipleship, the goal of servanthood. And then the challenge, Paul says in verses 13 to 16, and I'll simply refer to them, please read them on your own. He says, You went through a lot of affliction in receiving the word of God. He says, that affliction came to you and it was a A very difficult experience. Because you were persecuted.
Verse 14: For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews. who killed the Lord Jesus Christ and the prophets and who drove us out. You see, America has a very important thing. has spoiled us. We always think to ourselves that the state and the laws Should be favorable to preaching the gospel.
And in America, It's been that way, though it is rapidly changing. And you and I are just going to have to face the fact That um it's going to become harder to be a Christian, and sometimes it is Christians who make it hard. to be represented as Christians, by the way, and not the people. who are non-Christians, but it's going to be harder. And even now, in your work tomorrow, your integrity should get you into some trouble.
If it doesn't, If it doesn't, I wonder if you are really honoring Jesus. Because a person of integrity means that he should keep his promises. It means that if he promises something, if he promises money, the money will be there. Integrity means that we keep our word. Integrity means that we do not engage in all the things that the people of the world engage in because.
We are different. Blessed are you when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name's sake, said Jesus. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Glad. If you have ever been fired from a job because you're a Christian, Don't bemoan your fate, but rejoice and be exceedingly glad.
Jesus said, Because you are entitled to a great reward. And all that. is a part of what is called being. A servant.
Now The question, of course, is, what is the reward of all this? What do you get out of it? Typical American question? What's in it? for me, right?
Isn't that what we're all interested in? What is the benefit. What are the perks? of being a servant. Today, I'm speaking to people who say, you know, I work in the nursery, I volunteer in the nursery, I don't get paid for it.
What are the perks? What's in it for me? I'm speaking to some people who are parkers, that is to say, they help with the parking, and some of them aren't here because they're missing this service. because of parking duty. And they say, you know, I volunteer and I even skip church and I go and I work.
And I volunteer as someone who's involved in ministry and what's in it for me? What what's the payoff?
Some of you work in Owana. You work. as a tutor in kids club. And you say, you know, this business of being a servant, what's in it? What's in it?
You're obviously not doing it for the money, I can tell you that. Because uh zero times ten is still zero, but What's the payoff? Why would Paul leave? A well-paying job. That he probably could have had, be a tent maker, work long hours, serve people.
Where's the beef?
Well He mentions what the reward is.
Now notice the text. He says in the last part of the chapter, Verse 19. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before the Lord Jesus Christ that is coming? What is it that's going to make me happy when Jesus returns? What is it that's going to give me a great deal of satisfaction and joy.
He says, is it not? You. for you. are our glory. Enjoy.
Paul speaks about faithfulness in terms of crowns.
Now, these crowns aren't necessarily literal medallions that we Wear, and even if we do wear them, we'll cast them at the feet of Jesus anyway. Crowns have to do with positions of responsibility within the coming kingdom. That's why service here is so important. And then Paul says these words. You know, there are two different words for crowns.
There is the word Diadem, which is worn by kings, and then there's Stephanus. That's the word that he uses here. It's the word from which we get the name Stephen. or Stephanie. If you're a Stephanie or a Stephen, Your name means Crown.
You are indeed. Very special. as all of us with different names are. But Paul says, and he uses that second word here. In other words, he says, this is the victor's crown.
This is the crown that is given to those who run the race well. And what is our crown? This thing that we're going to throw at the feet of Jesus, this thing that's going to sit on our head with a halo? No, no, no. He says, You are our crown.
You are our rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's the reward. It's the people whom we influenced. It's the lives that we touched. It's the kindness that we showed out in the parking lot.
It is the ushers who are faithful, who are dependable, who we know can be here and will be here. It's the people who are involved in children's ministry that is the crown. That is our joy. Samuel Rutherford was in prison. And while in prison, he longed for the believers.
in the town, in a church in Anworth. And he wrote these words. If one soul from Anworth should be a soul. shall meet me at God's right hand. My heaven shall be two heavens.
in Emmanuel Land. What's the payoff? The judgment seat of Jesus Christ. where there's a child From Cabrini Green, who says, You led me to faith in Christ and you encouraged me in my walk. And we say to ourselves, that makes a double heaven for me.
To be with Jesus and then to be with people that are influenced. If I stand at the judgment seat of Christ, as I will, and there would be one person who would say, I came to faith through your ministry and you encouraged me along in the way. I would say, this is my joy, this is my crown, this is the payoff. Is it not you? members and attenders of Moody Church.
In the day of the judgment throne of Jesus Christ, the judgment seat. That's the payoff. You say, well, I'm still not convinced. I'm into my own schedule. I'm busy.
I don't like inconvenience. I like my freedom. I don't want to be tied down. I don't want to volunteer for anything. Because it means that my own private schedule has to be rearranged and.
I just want to do what I want to do.
So that's what you're saying, huh? Not many of you, but maybe some of you are saying that.
Well, I have a verse for you. And if this passage of scripture does not change your heart today, it may be that you have never been converted. Because no converted person can read this. And then leave. The same.
And I want you to know that the verse I'm going to read. is in your Bible too. The Bible that I have here is not different from the one that you have. What I'm trying to say very clearly is, I'm not making this up. All right.
I'm not even going to give you the reference yet because I don't want you to be turning, lest you miss what this is saying. Jesus says, stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.
Now here's the verse. And I don't know if I'm going to be able to get through this, folks, because it's very difficult for me to read this verse. Truly I say to you, he will dress himself for service. and have them Recline at table. And he that is Jesus the Master will come and serve.
them. Imagine In the kingdom. Jesus is going to say to you and to me, I want you to sit at the table. And I'm going to gird myself so that I can serve you. He is willing to do that.
And yet, some people will not lift a finger to be involved. In God's work and with God's people. They will not lift a finger to serve. But someday He'll say, sit down. And let me serve you.
It's found, by the way, and you can read it later in the 12th chapter. of the Gospel of Luke. But I do need to end today by saying that If you want to be served in the kingdom by Jesus, You have to first of all be served by him now. He said, the Son of Man came. He says not.
To be served, but to serve. And how does he serve? By giving his life a ransom for many. He says, first of all, if we receive The service that I performed on the cross and the way I served you, you believe. in me and you trust me for forgiveness of your sins.
And you are born of the Spirit someday. I'll say to you, you sit down. and enjoy the meal. And I'll be your servant. once again.
So, to my heart, I ask, and to yours, why are we not willing? to serve. A master Who serves us? Let's pray. Father, when you come to a church There are people who are willing to serve.
When you came to Thessalonica, Paul served and he modeled service. And he was only modeling what Jesus had done earlier. to come. serve. And we ask today, Father, for our indifferent, selfish.
Hearts. That are so intent on our schedule, on our needs, that we've neglected. serving others. in your congregation. Help us, Father, we pray.
And have mercy upon us. And for those who have never trusted Christ, and received the benefits of his first service. We ask, Lord, that they will reach out and say, Jesus, save me. I pray in His blessed name. Amen.
Yeah. Well, my friend, this is Pastor Luther. Perhaps you've already heard me say that when I read that passage of scripture for the first time. In the book of Luke. I was brought to tears.
I mean, just visualize Jesus being the one. to gird himself and to serve us in the kingdom. And you and I oftentimes are so stingy with our time, we are so selfish, we would never even think of that. And here our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, honors us. in this way.
Could I ask you a question? What is it that you think hinders people from serving in the kingdom? I often think it is because of some negative emotions. emotions such as bitterness, anger, regret, Jealousy That's why I've written a book entitled Managing Your Emotions, because emotions can be very good, obviously they are God's gift, but they can also be stumbling blocks. in our Christian walk.
For a gift of any amount, we're making this resource available for you, and I want to emphasize that we're doing that because we want to help you. We hear it running to win, thank God for the many people who listen to us, but we're also thankful that we can make literature available that we think. Will be of great benefit in your Christian walk, and you'll be able to share books like this. with others. Here's what you do.
Go to rtwoffer.com. That's rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218. 9337. Remember the title of the book, Managing Your Emotions, God's Good Gifts Gone Wrong. And oftentimes they do go.
Very wrong. Once again, that contact info. RTWffer.com or call us at 1-888-888. 218 ninety three thirty seven May God enable us to serve each other. and may all the road blocks that stand in the way be taken away by his grace.
It's time now for another chance for you to ask Pastor Lutzer a question about the Bible or the Christian life. Today's question comes from a math whiz, or at least someone with a keen sense of genealogy. Josias asks, Based on Genesis chapters five to twenty five, I computed that Abram was born nineteen hundred forty six years after Adam was created. Assuming the nine hundred thirty years Adam lived began at creation, Shem was still alive when Abram was born.
However, in many Bibles, such as the Zondervan NIV study Bible, unknown dates are indicated for events such as the creation, the flood, and so on. What do you think is the reason for the uncertainty? is there a reason for not relying squarely on the years lived for individuals from Adam to Abram as indicated in Genesis chapters five through twenty five?
Well, Josias, first of all, I need to commend you for asking a very, very difficult and controversial question. You need to go to the head of the class for that one. The simple fact is that if you do the genealogies, if you take that route, That's why some of the early scriptures, by early I mean those that were perhaps published fifty years ago, indicated that creation took place in four thousand and four BC. based on the genealogies.
Now, what we're up against is science, which of course would want to say that that is absurd. creation took place much earlier. And the earth and uh all of the uh species are so much more aged than that.
Now The thing that we have to understand is this. Many people believe that there are gaps in the genealogies. You can find books written about this, so I'm not going to comment on that in more detail, except to say that that is the case. Secondly, when the Bible says in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, The creation of the universe may have happened at a time that we cannot date. It might have been a very, very long time ago.
And only after that Did God begin the creation process that is mentioned in Genesis chapter 1? I really recommend that you buy some books on this topic. Books by Christians that try to wrestle with the whole question of the date. I personally have become somewhat cautious about making a judgment about this, even though I've studied it from time to time in some detail.
So that's why some of the Bibles are unwilling to commit themselves and perhaps Given our present knowledge, That may be wise. But keep reading, keep studying. and God may give us more light. on this interesting topic. Thank you, Josiahs, for that fascinating question.
Thank you, Dr. Lutzer, for your perspectives. If you'd like to hear one of your questions answered, go to our website at rtwoffer.com and click on Ask Pastor Lutzer or call us at 1-888-288-888-888-888. 218-9337. That's 1-888-288.
218-9337. You can write to us at Running2Win, 1635 North LaSalle Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. Running to Win comes to you from the Moody Church in Chicago.
Next time, when believers go public on issues of good and evil. Don't miss when the church takes a stand. Thanks for listening. For Pastor Erwin Lutzer, this is Dave McAllister. Running to Win is sponsored by the Moody Church.
