Attitudes Toward Our Work as a Congregation We should be grateful for the privilege of working in the Kingdom of the Lord (1 Timothy 1:12) Sermon based on a portion of an outline by Mark Copeland, “Attitudes Needed in Congregational Work” http://executableoutlines.com/top/attitude.htm Preached at the West Side church of Christ, 6/8/2008 AM Print slides: 1, 15, 19

1 Timothy 1:12-13 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Attitudes Toward Our Work Enthusiasm and Eagerness 2 Corinthians 9:7

2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Nothing is so hard that it can’t be made easier if done with enthusiasm

Attitudes Toward Our Work Enthusiasm and Eagerness 2 Corinthians 9:7 Industrious, Diligence, Energy Nehemiah 4:6; Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 18:9

Nehemiah 4:6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. If God expects this in our service to men, how much more in our service to Him.

Proverbs 18:9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. The slothful person is just as harmful as the destructive person

Attitudes Toward Our Work Enthusiasm and Eagerness 2 Corinthians 9:7 Industrious, Diligence, Energy Nehemiah 4:6; Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 18:9 Initiative 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Initiative – The willingness to do right without being prodded

2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Continual exhortations needed and good. But, personal initiative is better!

Attitudes Toward Our Work Enthusiasm and Eagerness 2 Corinthians 9:7 Industrious, Diligence, Energy Nehemiah 4:6; Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 18:9 Initiative 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6 Positivity Philippians 2:14-16

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Attitudes Toward Our Work Enthusiasm and Eagerness 2 Corinthians 9:7 Industrious, Diligence, Energy Nehemiah 4:6; Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 18:9 Initiative 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6 Positivity Philippians 2:14-16 Persistence John 4:34; Hebrews 6:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:7

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” Jesus’ attitude was not only to do, but to finish the work His Father had given Him.

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Paul was persistent unto the end, and had hope for the “crown of righteousness”

Conclusion Proper attitudes will make us useful in the Lord’s Work Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21