“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (I Peter 4:11). Brethren, we all have some abilities to use in the furtherance of the Gospel and in the other works of our Lord. We have to figure out those abilities, and then use them. Not all brethren are going to be capable of leading. In fact, as far as the oversight of the local congregation is concerned, only godly elders have the lead (Acts 20:28 and I Peter 5:1-3). Those men have to meet the very specific qualifications of our Lord before they are qualified to lead (I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). When leaders are in place that are ignorant, then we all are going to fall (Matthew 15:14). Not all men are capable of being teachers. In fact, one ought to be extremely critical of themselves before deciding to teach the Gospel for there will be the stricter judgment on that individual (James 3:1). Not all are even qualified to lead in public service. For example, singing is teaching (Colossians 3:16). If one is not able to discern the difference between truth and error, should they be leading us in song? Think of the many congregations who allow the youth who are merely babes, to lead in this important avenue of worship, but then they consider them incapable of teaching. What is the difference? One leading a prayer needs to be capable of having those in attendance to agree at the conclusion with an “amen” (I Corinthians 14: 15-16). Leading in a worship service is not a tool of encouragement for the one leading by those filling out the “schedule”, but is a necessary means by which we collectively pray, sing, give, etc. Those teaching and leading cannot be babes on the milk, they have to be spiritually mature enough to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). Are those leading capable, or have they taken on a task to heavy for that individual to bear? Just because someone is noble enough to say “I’ll do it”, does not mean they are capable. The Parable of the talents shows us the Lord going away and leaving work to be done He expects finished when He returns. He gives work to every man according to his own ability, which solidifies further our previous point (Matthew 25:15). The one who does not use the ability the Lord gives to carry out that work is a wicked and slothful servant (Matthew 25:26). The one who does not use his ability in the Lord’s work is considered unprofitable and will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). Therefore, we do not want to have those who are FAITHFUL among us, who are capable of teaching, leading, praying, or serving in any way; that will not realize and use the abilities God has given them. In this case, they are unprofitable servants. We all need to constantly reflect upon the truth and examine ourselves (I Corinthians 11:31-32 and II Corinthians 13:5). Then we need to put into action the things we learn and not simply walk away doing nothing about our failures (James 1:21- 25). If someone asks us to complete a task, we need to be honest and let them know if we cannot do it. Why? Well, if we do or say something incorrectly, we are going to be judged for it (Ecclesiastes 12:14 and Matthew 12:34-37). Remember, one error is all it takes (James 2:10-13). Lastly, let us consider our impact on others if we attempt to do that which we are incapable. Folks, if we drop the proverbial ball when it comes to our work for the Lord in public service (i.e. prayers, teaching, song leading, etc.); everyone’s soul is at stake (Luke 6:39). If that is too heavy of a burden, then we should not take on those roles. It may be that someone needs to grow a bit more before they try to lead others. If we understand this with preachers and elders, we should be able to understand it across the board. Let’s make sure that pride never puts us into a position to carry something we’ll end up dropping and breaking! |
| Volume VIII ~ Issue XV ~ January 6th, 2008 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| Noble, But Not Capable By: Brian A. Yeager |
 | |  | |  | |  |
| Doing Only What We Are Able To Do |
| The Flipside – Those Who Can and Choose Not To |
| Conclusion |
I remember moving one time from Cherry Tree, PA to Butler, PA. It was a short, but
difficult move, because of the time frame that was placed upon us and the need to get
quickly back to the Lord’s work. While moving many offered to come and haul things
and help. However, of the many who offered only a few were actually capable. One
brother and his wife showed up and he quickly established that he had a bad back and
could only lift light items. However, we were to the front end of the load which was only
heavy items. His presence was to some degree noble, but useless. His intentions were
no doubt genuine. However, he simply was incapable of the task. He could not bear the
kind of loads that needed carried.
There have been countless men who have decided to establish themselves as Gospel
preachers. They understood the time investment in reading, exhortation, and doctrine (I
Timothy 4:13). They realized that those who carry the Gospel to the lost and the saved
are often hated because of the truth (Galatians 4:16). The realized that they would pay
prices that would often seem above measure (II Corinthians 11:23-27). They realized
that the more abundantly they loved the brethren, the less they’d be loved (II Corinthians
12:15). However, at some point, the load became too heavy and they realized they were
not fit to preach the Gospel of Christ.
Both of the above are just examples to make us think, but the applications have to be
broader. Brethren, are there those times where we might engage in spiritual tasks that we
are not capable of carrying out? Is it possible that we might have the very best intentions,
but lack the ability to truly carry out what we have endeavored to do? We have to
realize what loads we are capable of bearing and not try to carry the whole world on our
shoulders. We can only do what we are capable of (Luke 12:22-26).
difficult move, because of the time frame that was placed upon us and the need to get
quickly back to the Lord’s work. While moving many offered to come and haul things
and help. However, of the many who offered only a few were actually capable. One
brother and his wife showed up and he quickly established that he had a bad back and
could only lift light items. However, we were to the front end of the load which was only
heavy items. His presence was to some degree noble, but useless. His intentions were
no doubt genuine. However, he simply was incapable of the task. He could not bear the
kind of loads that needed carried.
There have been countless men who have decided to establish themselves as Gospel
preachers. They understood the time investment in reading, exhortation, and doctrine (I
Timothy 4:13). They realized that those who carry the Gospel to the lost and the saved
are often hated because of the truth (Galatians 4:16). The realized that they would pay
prices that would often seem above measure (II Corinthians 11:23-27). They realized
that the more abundantly they loved the brethren, the less they’d be loved (II Corinthians
12:15). However, at some point, the load became too heavy and they realized they were
not fit to preach the Gospel of Christ.
Both of the above are just examples to make us think, but the applications have to be
broader. Brethren, are there those times where we might engage in spiritual tasks that we
are not capable of carrying out? Is it possible that we might have the very best intentions,
but lack the ability to truly carry out what we have endeavored to do? We have to
realize what loads we are capable of bearing and not try to carry the whole world on our
shoulders. We can only do what we are capable of (Luke 12:22-26).
To The Faithful Who Read
This Bulletin:
I have recently lost financial
support from the church of
Christ in Cedar Park, TX.
This has put my family in a bit
of a bind. If you are a faithful
Christian and could help
support me in doing the
Lord's work (Philippians
4:11-17), please contact me.
My Email
Phone: 915-525-5794
Thank you,
Brian A. Yeager
This Bulletin:
I have recently lost financial
support from the church of
Christ in Cedar Park, TX.
This has put my family in a bit
of a bind. If you are a faithful
Christian and could help
support me in doing the
Lord's work (Philippians
4:11-17), please contact me.
My Email
Phone: 915-525-5794
Thank you,
Brian A. Yeager