Doing What You Can
-Introduction
-Mark 14:3-9
-John 12 tells us that this was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
-Mark 14:9 is still being fulfilled today in the fact that we are still speaking about the
good deed done by Mary.
-If we were to go through and give consideration to many good deeds recorded in
the scriptures, I don’t think that we would normally assign a high degree of
significance to this particular occasion.
-Yet, when we consider the words of Jesus, we’ll see that it carried a great deal of
significance in His sight.
-Why? Jesus tells us why - “She hath done what she could.”
-Future Plans and Actions
-We like to get results, do we not?
-Whether in the area of business, investments, sports and (even in some cases) hobbies -
we like results.
-But, to get results, we must do some work.
-There is no more important work than the work of the church!
-However, there are additional prerequisites for results other than work.
-communication, focus, planning
-Good communication helps with developing and then maintaining focus. With a
particular focus, it is then easier to make some specific plans. With specific plans,
work can then be carried out accordingly. With work comes results.
-I believe this is what we have in the process right now.
-We’ve had some communication - input from the congregation. The elders, deacons
and myself have met several times to discuss that input. This afternoon, we’ll
continue the process with the men’s meeting.
-With the development of some specific plans, work can then be carried out.
-With that work, results will come.
-For that work to be accomplished, we each need to do what we can.
-Example of the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit
-1 Cor 12:4-11 - different gifts/different abilities divided amongst the Christians
-same today in a non-miraculous context - each have different abilities
-1 Cor 12:12-18 - unity in working together for the good of the whole
-We are to utilize our own abilities in such a way that benefits the whole body.
-1 Cor 12:19-25 - all gifts are important
-We have a tendency to say, “Well, I can’t do this or I can’t do that.”
-Again, what was Jesus pleased about regarding Mary? She did what she could.
-When we consider the Corinthians, we commonly talk about their divisions and strife.
-It seems that they were trying to exalt themselves based on their particular gifts.
-But, let’s not miss this point: They were not to minimize the importance of their
gifts either.
-All too often, don’t we minimize the gifts we have?
-Parable of the Talents - Matt 25:14-30
-While studying the Parables of Christ, we studied this particular passage.
-brief synopsis
-Notice the severe rebuke that Jesus issued regarding the man who had received one
talent - vs 26-30.
-What had he done that was so wrong? After all, he didn’t lose the talent.
-What was the problem? He did nothing with it.
-Let’s not be fearful to use our talent(s). Instead of burying them, let’s utilize them.
-Again, let’s do what we can.
-Summary and Invitation
-We have recently seen some results - two restorations, three baptisms. That’s great.
-With continuing communication, focus, planning and work, more results will come.
-But all that depends on you and me.
-Again, there is no work more important than the work of the church.
-Through the work of the church, souls our won and built up in Christ.
-What about you this morning? Are you “in Christ?”
-Eph 1:3
-To be “in Christ” a person must obey the Gospel of Christ - believe (John 3:16,
8:24), confess (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10), repent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), be
baptized (Acts 2:38, Gal 3:26-29), walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4, Eph 4:22-24).
-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful, confess your
shortcomings, repent of them and pray to God for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts
8:22-24).