OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - THURSDAY - 08/05/2014 - LABOURER IN HIS VINEYARD BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LABOURER IN HIS VINEYARD

MEMORISE

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

READ

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

MESSAGE

Are you a Christian worker? If you are not, desire to be one. A Christian worker is a labourer in God’s vineyard. He could be a spiritual leader occupying any of the ministerial offices or an Usher, Chorister etc. In any case, a Christian worker is a steward. A steward can be described as a person employed to manage the property of another, especially a large house or land. Christian stewardship means accepting responsibility to manage all the resources of life for the glory of God, acknowledging God as the provider. As a manager, a Christian worker is a spiritual leader. As a spiritual leader, the work of a Christian worker is an enviable one, and God attaches great importance to it. It is notable and honourable but also tasking, demanding and sacrificial. Faithfulness in this service leads to greater and higher responsibility which attracts fabulous and eternal rewards. 1 Peter 5:4 says:

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

Certain qualities are essential for Christian workers or labourers in God’s vineyard. The basic qualification is salvation. Such a person should also be faithful and available. A prospective Christian worker should be one that is faithful to God, to his or her human leader and to the assignment entrusted to his or her hands. A Christian worker should also be available for service. The first need in God’s vineyard is availability (Isaiah 6:8). A Christian worker should be teachable. To serve in God’s vineyard, you should be someone who can be taught by God and others. Socially, a Christian worker should be of good behaviour. As a worker, you must be friendly and be of good reputation among those within and without the church. To serve in God’s vineyard, your life should have no grounds for reproach. Morally, a Christian worker should be disciplined. If married, you should be close to your spouse and remain faithful to your marital vows. A Christian worker should be sober and clearheaded, that is, one who never drinks alcohol. Mentally, you must be prudent to serve in God’s vineyard. Prudency refers to a balanced state of mind resulting from habitual self-restraint. By implication, you should be sound-minded and in control of every part of your person. On a personal relationship level, a Christian worker should not be troublesome, but genial and gentle; not contentious, but hospitable and a friend of strangers. He must also not be covetous. The Christian worker should also not be a novice or a baby in Christ. Are you qualified to be a labourer in God’s vineyard?

PRAYER POINT

Pray for grace to be qualified as a labourer in God’s vineyard.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Genesis 15:1-18:21; Psalm 102:1-15