Or Ministry, Let Us Wait on Our Ministering
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of tangible gifts and sacrifices in our ministry to Christ.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of actively ministering to Christ through our actions, gifts, and sacrifices. He challenges believers to reflect on what they are offering to Jesus, not just in words but in tangible ways, highlighting that true devotion requires personal investment. Simpson illustrates this with the example of Mary, who gave her most precious gift to Jesus, urging listeners to consider what they have done for the Master. He calls for a self-examination of our contributions to God's work and encourages a spirit of sacrifice in our service to Him. Ultimately, the sermon inspires believers to give generously to the Savior who selflessly gave His life for us.
Text
Beloved, are you ministering to Christ? Arc you doing it with your hands? Are you doing it with your substance and with your gifts? Is He getting the best at your table? And when He does not come to fill the chair, is it free to His representative, His poor and humble children? Your words and wishes are cheap if they do not find expression in your actual gifts. Even Mary did not put Him off with the incense of her heart. Rather, she laid her costliest gift at His feet.
Busy person, you who work so hard to dress your children and furnish your home and table, what have your hands earned for the Master?
What have you done or sacrificed for Jesus? "Can you afford it?" was the question asked of an earnest woman as she promised a costly offering for the Master's work. "No," was her noble reply, "but I can sacrifice it." Let us today look around us and see what we are presently doing. Then let us give more to the loving Savior, who gave up His whole life for us.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding our ministry to Christ - The importance of tangible gifts - Reflecting on personal sacrifices
- II points: - The role of our hands in service - Offering our best to God - The significance of heartfelt giving
- III points: - Evaluating our current contributions - Encouraging a spirit of generosity - Living a life of sacrifice for Jesus
- IV points: - The call to action for believers - Recognizing the needs of others - Responding to Christ's love with our resources
Key Quotes
“Your words and wishes are cheap if they do not find expression in your actual gifts.” — A.B. Simpson
“What have your hands earned for the Master?” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us give more to the loving Savior, who gave up His whole life for us.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Reflect on what you are currently giving to Christ and consider how you can increase your offerings.
- Make a conscious effort to serve others as an expression of your love for Jesus.
- Evaluate your priorities and ensure that you are offering your best to God.