Five Steps For Success In Service To God

Five Steps For Success In Service To God 1 Corinthians 9: 12 -27

“Endure All Things” (v. 12) ²Jesus, our example (1 Peter 2: 21 -24; 1 Cor. 11: 1) ²We are to endure also. Yet, so many fail so easily. Remember Demas (2 Tim. 4: 10)

“It Would Be Better For Me To Die” (vv. 15 -17) ²Paul’s service began immediately (Acts 26: 19; 9: 20) ²He would rather die than be a part of anything less ²He felt a necessity (“woe is me”) ²He recognized that his value in service was by preaching to others

“I Have Made Myself A Servant To All” (v. 19) ²Our Lord came to serve (Mt. 20: 28) ²Paul operated under the words of the Lord (Acts 20: 35) § Yet, we gather together and expect to be served! § It is not “what can I give, ” it is “what can I get!”

“I Have Become All Things To All Men” (v. 22) ²Paul understood the preferences and opinions of others and, out of respect, tried not to violate them (1 Cor. 10: 2333) § Yet, Paul was staying within New Testament limits § It does not mean that he would become a drunkard to save drunkards § There is to be no sin

“I Discipline My Body And Bring It Into Subjection” (v. 27) ²Paul was determined to defeat all fleshly appetites. We make choices (Rom. 6: 16) ²Self-control is a key element in successful service (Col. 3: 1 -4) § Many fail due to little self-control § They often do not even try

Conclusion ²Endure all things ²Recognize your value ²Become a servant ²Become all things ²Be in subjection to God