Loyalty to God
Loyalty to God3
First Gave Their Own Selves to the Lord
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 5:16ROM 12:102CO 8:5GAL 6:2EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:231TH 5:11HEB 10:241PE 4:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of loyalty to both God and the work of ministry for successful Christian service. He notes that a deep relationship with the Lord fosters better relationships with others, contrasting mature Christians with superficial ones who may struggle with eccentricity. Simpson highlights the example of the Corinthians, who first dedicated themselves to the Lord, making it easier for them to support His apostle. He encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of soundness and a heart for service, reminding them of the joy and rewards that come from helping others through prayer, love, and song.
To What Should We Be Loyal
By William MacDonald0MAT 18:20LUK 6:37JHN 14:16ROM 12:11CO 1:101CO 12:12EPH 4:4EPH 4:11PHP 1:151PE 2:5William MacDonald emphasizes that loyalty should not be to any denomination or group of Christians, as no group is perfect. Instead, our loyalty must be to the Lord and the principles of His Word, as every denomination can drift away from biblical truth over time. He warns against the dangers of sectarianism and encourages believers to evaluate all groups and individuals based on Scripture rather than tradition or affiliation. MacDonald highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ and the need for each believer to recognize their role as part of the whole. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the teachings of the New Testament and a rejection of any form of denominational pride.
Faithfulness
By A.W. Pink0NUM 12:7PSA 31:23PRO 13:17JER 23:28DAN 6:41CO 4:21CO 4:17GAL 3:91TI 1:12REV 2:10A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highlights that true faithfulness involves loyalty to Christ, unwavering commitment to preaching the truth, and the courage to stand firm against popular opinion. Pink illustrates this with examples from Scripture, noting that faithful servants like Abraham, Moses, and Paul were marked by their steadfastness despite personal costs. He warns that in a world rife with disloyalty and compromise, ministers must rely on God's promises to sustain their faithfulness. Ultimately, Pink calls all believers to embody this virtue, reminding them that faithfulness is essential for both ministers and the wider church community.