Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Faithful Steward

Luke 12: 40&42-43
The Faithful Steward

     40- “You too be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” 42&43- And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?” “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”
     Do we need any stronger word to be spoken to us in regard to being prepared for Jesus’ coming? He is speaking directly at us. Which of us can think we are exempt from the words, “YOU TOO”? That means all of us. If Jesus says that it will be an hour that we do not expect then it will be an hour that we do not expect! 
     If we think of ourselves as guards on watch duty and every day from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening we are at the wall to watch for incoming armies it would be wonderful to think that they would only attempt to attack during those hours so that we could take the rest of the night off! But that is not how they operate! They seek for a time when we are not watching! But let us consider another scenario. You are on the night shift and you get tired of standing so you pull out a rocking chair, the air gets cold so you start a little camp fire, your eyes get tired from endlessly looking out into the dark at nothing so you pull out a book to read, you are technically on duty but you might as well not be because your completely lost in the comfort of your surroundings. In this state of comfort the enemy could walk right up to the gate and you would not even know it in spite of being on the wall. I say all of these things to warn us as Christians that if we call ourselves Christians it means that we have chosen the duty of being soldiers for Christ but if we have surrounded ourselves with every worldly comfort and pastime then Jesus will come upon us while we are unaware even though we could technically say that we were on the wall waiting for Him. In Luke 13: 24 Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” That narrow door means to take our call of salvation seriously and not treat it as though we were already in heaven! We are on earth and have a responsibility that needs to be carried out. If the soldier on the wall falls asleep and does not warn of the approaching army then it is his fault that the fort has been defeated by the enemy! He has let his comrades down and has to live with many regrets, if he survives the attack.
     So Jesus says, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?” That is us! We are all stewards for each of us has a Bible and if you have a Bible you are responsible for sharing It’s words with others. That Bible that sat on the shelf for the last 40 years in our room will convict us into the dust when we stand before Jesus empty handed and try to tell Him that we didn’t seem to have any talents to work with. To have a Bible is to have no excuse before God. We had His word, why did we not treat it like the air we breathe? Why did we not crave its truths and love its testimonies of those who were faithful to follow Him? Why did we not seek the wisdom found in it for every aspect of our lives? One preacher I read about would not preach on any book of the Bible until he had read it through 50 times! In China they get a Bible and take the pages out and pass them around to each other taking turns until they have memorized what they have that they might not forget the words of God. We take the Bible for granted over here! Oh! Let us love and cherish God’s word and eat it like food! Let us not run from our accountability to It’s words, but love the accountability as we love our own lives!
     Jesus says to feed our brothers as faithful stewards of His word. How do we do this? Consider the illustration of an apple tree. It feeds off of minerals in the soil that are inedible to us and yet vital for our existence and produces a fruit which we can eat, made up of those minerals! God designed it so beautifully that rather then make us eat pieces of rust to get the iron our bodies need He gave us an apple! The inedible made edible! So we must eat the word of God daily that we might produce fruit in our lives that others can eat. - If we write we can write edifying things, -if we play the guitar we can write worship songs, -if we like to clean we can seek out people who need help in their homes and share an uplifting verse with them. If we turn off our worldly entertainment and feed our minds on the riches of God’s word our lives will not be able stop the fruit that will come pouring forth from them and giving life to all who come into contact with us!
     May God fill us with a fresh desire to read His word and to live by His commandments? Let us be found at His return having been faithful with the stewardship that He has left us to do.              God bless you all!


20 comments:

  1. Hello Seth, thanks for the word of encouragement. I read through this study session 3 times and I also read the chapter to which you have made reference. I tell you, the WORD of GOD is "sharper than a two edged sword which will cut asunder". So many times I make myself busy doing everything else that I consider important; that diminishes the time I spend with GOD. After reading and understanding your message I am more encouraged to hunger and thirst for the Word of GOD so I can in turn "feed", teach, edify others about salvation through JESUS; and help them to understand how they too can prepare for the Kingdom of GOD.. Love it!!

    Sophia, CT

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    1. Sopha. I many times reread Seth's messages because I love them and don't want to miss a word or thought of his. Also, because I go back to his message a few times a week, I feel like his message is with me all week long. Even the comments of others bring me back to reread ...I LOVE IT !!!!

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  2. Seth, this is a grand exhortation! To be ready and vigilant at all times! To hunger for the Word of God so that, as we read and absorb its truths, we may become a "city on a hill" and a light pointing all towards our Creator!! Great teaching!! --Aunt Sue

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  3. What I get out of this message is that saten, the devil will do anything and everything to prevent us from being watchfull when our Master, Jesus, returns.

    Also, that if we own a bible and don't read it, that we have NO excuse before God not to read it.....To have a Bible, and not read is to say to God, "I choose not to read what You, my God, has to say. I chose not to treat Your words like the air I breathe. I don't need to crave Your truths and love its testimonies of those who are faithful to You. I don't care about Your wisdom in it for me either. And furthermore, I expect You to let me into heaven....cause you love me.".

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  4. I HAVE TO KEEP STUDING THE WORD TO HAVE EVER LASTING LIFE. I FOUND GOD AND JEHOVAH. TRACI WTBY,CT

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  5. WE HAVE TO ALWAYS BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE WE MUST DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US IN THE WAY . TOM CT

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  6. I BELEIVE IT IS TRUE> WE ALL NEED LOVE IN THIS WORLD. I DONT OWN A BIBLE. JOHN CT

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    1. Hi John, GOD's Blessings to you. Yes, we all need love; and perfect love came to us through JESUS, the son of GOD. Be encouraged to get a Bible. Technology today allows for the BIBLE to be accessed on electronic devices, but I do still prefer the paper edition. This book, the BIBLE helps us to understand the heart and mind of the Most HIgh GOD. The BIBLE confirms the unswerving infallibility of GOD. The WORD of GOD (The Bible) is the standard to which we will be judged.
      Everything that our GOD wants us to know is in this book.
      Now I'm sure you have a car. All cars come with a manufacturer manual. Each manual is specific to the made and model of the car. If the owner wants to find out anything regarding this car it is found in the manual, or reference to the manufacturer by phone or online services. Our BIBLE is reliable and trustworthy "manual'; with everything that GOD wants us to know. This BIBLE has proven itself over and over to meet the needs of mankind. I think it's our manual:)

      GOD's Blessings,
      Sophia, CT

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  7. Hi Tom. How are you relating what you said to what Seth wrote? In otherwords, can you be more specific?

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  8. I DO BELIEVE IN JESUS , WHITHOUT JESUS AND GOD WE ARE NOBODY , HES THAT ONLY ONE CAN CHANGE OUR LIFE . LINDOMAR CT

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  9. Seth, I'm guilty of not reading my Bible though I have read different sectins,apstles over the years-more now than ever. But I really do not understand it-I have an 'Everday Bible-yet that one is a Bible where words do not seem to really have the feeling that the actual Bible has. Now even though Iam trying to follow my Lord and Savior,but without reading theBible on a regular basis,Iam now fearful that I will not and do not have a valid reason why I never read the whole Bible. I know I still have time Ihope,yet I cannot seem to just pick it up and keep reading,instead of remembering my Childrens Bible my mom read me and when Iwant to know what theLord has said-as though I use it as a reference Bible-there really is no comment anyone can make that I have not beaten myself up over-sure,I pray all the time and just talk to Him but reading your session is something I didn't know-I feel like if I don't immediately pick up a Bible right now,I am sealing my fate and it's not Heaven.I'm lost-thought IWas/am a good hearted person-but I know now that it's not enough to go up to the Lord and GOD when the time is upon me. about it-just can't pick up Bible and read-tried that acouple times and never was able to keep up the good work. Is it Satan at work?My friend was reading one or two chapters to me for a short while-that stopped-he knows so much more abot scriptures and GOD'S word that he teaches me things-I know that is not the same. Thank u Seth,and may GOD always have u in His arms. Thank u for letting me vent my inadequate ways and my fears-everything!AgainThank u.

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    1. Hi Laurie. I would like to know if you attend a church? do you consider yourself saved?

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    2. LAURIE. Ey Laurie..it's me.... In your comment you said you were guilty of not reading your bible and further down wrote, ''is this from the satan?''. Well in my opinon, it DEFINITLY is. Only the devil himself would prevent people from reading the bible. He knows the words in it reveal to us how to get to heaven. He don't want us there. I even believe when people give excuses on why they don't read the bible THE DEVIL'S GOT THE BIGGEST SMILE ON HIS FACE .
      Furthermore, Could we be making Jesus cry at this time? Can Jesus, King of Kings, Creator of a hughe universe, a Savior, cry ? Open your bible to John 11:35 (near end of bible) to find out. He is worth you checking this out Laurie. Claudette CT

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  10. Hi! Everybody, I will like to give you an illustration that you can think about. Let’s imagine you meet someone at the bus stop, train station, store or any place you like to imagine. And this person was presented to you as Mr. or Mrs. X. Now you begin talking to that person and you do not let the person say one word to you. Because your mind is so set on telling him or her about your problems or you day that you don’t let him or her speak. The person just walks way and does not even say good-by. The first thing in your mind is now rude of (Mr. or Mrs. X) to just walk away. Now if I asked you a question about (Mr. or Mrs. X ) what would you be able to tell me about( him or her)? Would you be able to tell me where (he or she) were going, if (he or she) are married, did (he or she) have any problem, how was (he or she) day, or where do (he or she) live? No you were too busy talking about yourself, you are not interested in him or her needs or who (he or she) is. Now to clear this up for you a little first I am not talking about prying in other people business. Now if all you do is talk to God about your problems and needs and do not read the Bible how to you know who He is??? Would you be able to tell me what color are Jesus eyes? Why not destroy use all for being sinners? Does He have to love use? Think about this and let me know if you understood it or not?
    Talking about reading the Bible is not like reading a novel you need to read and understand what you are reading. That is why churches have bible school or bible classes to help you understand what you read and guide you through the word of God. Go to your church bible study and ask questions, participate and learn. You will be amaze at the things God has to say to you and get to know Him better and to know what He expects of you.

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    1. Hi friend of Sandy. You are very blessed if you can do more than one bible study per week. I come to this online one because I do not have to drive at night time to get there( I get dangerously tired to drive at night...only stay local,and retire early). Also God is using Seth to preach the gospel with this online bible study. And God has blessed him with His wisdom which we see in his messages. I love this bible study. My whole life has been centerd more arround Christ because of it. Claudette. CT

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  11. Hi FriendofSandy, Yes, Bible Study and going to a Bible Believing Church are tools to help us understand GOD's WORD. It is the HOLY SPIRIT who reveals the understanding to us. Those who teach from the HOLY BIBLE can be trained in a BIBLE Institute or selected by the church body. Going back to the BIBLE, if one does not understand and has the passion, the desire and even attempts to read, with a willing heart to learn; the HOLY SPIRIT will help that person to understand. I could share so many examples of real people who learned to use the BIBLE without even going to the BIBLE school. Like your illustration FriendofSandy, Do you really want to ask these questions with the hope of receiving answers? yes? Having someone to help to understand the BIBLE is also important. I am continuing to learn everyday but my understanding started a very long time ago. Then, Bible Studies and christian organizations were part of every school structure. I don't think today it's the same. Going back to Seth's BIBLE reference. JESUS is talking to HIS apostles. They always had questions for JESUS. How did JESUS answer? using parables and stories symbolic of those times. Applicable to us today? Certainly. Every word in the BIBLE is applicable to us. There is a reward for a life commitment to serving GOD. And each of us will be held accountable for our actions. Did we share the WORD of GOD with others? Did we invite someone to the Church so they too can hear the WORD? Our behaviors, attitudes must also reflect a change. It is important to hear what Mrs. X would like to share. But then it requires for us to listen and try to hear from the person. Listening and hearing are really two different activities.
    When one has experienced the Love of GOD through CHRIST a change will occur. And that is why sometimes we know others from the past with specific behaviors, once they have given their lives to the LORD, will no longer become involved in those old behaviors. Once you hear the invitation and "you harden not your heart" and accept JESUS HE will come and "sup with you" When the Power of the Living GOD starts to move in one's life, old behaviors and attitudes go and new godly behaviors and new attitudes replace those. One of those behaviors spending time reading GOD's WORD. I recalled for me the easiest book of the BIBLE was the PsaIms. I loved Psalms 23 The LORD is my Shepherd. It was like a memory verse to me but now I understand it's meaning. When you have experienced the faithfulness of GOD it makes every cell in your body excited:) GOD's Blessings.

    Sophia, CT

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  12. God Bless all. I do not intend for any of you to answer the question. I just put them up there to make you think on how many things you are missing out by not reading or studding the Bible. I believe that the Holy Spirit is the person that can help you understand the Bible. But if you go to a church that believes in the Father the Son and the Holly Spirit and preaches the Bible, they have Bible classes on Sunday or some have the Bible classes during the week. These classes are free and are there to help you understand the word of God. The teachers are people that have very good knowledge of the word of God and are anointed with the Holly Spirit and live a Christian life. Sophia, I do not know the people you are talking about that learn to use the Bible, but learn to use a Bible and studying the Bible are two differ things. If what you mean by use (is understood) they are specially blessed people but not everyone can do it, and yes, you always need the help of the Holy Spirit to learn God’s word. My principle point of view was Seth study about getting close to God by the study of the word of God. I have my personal experience of learning God word by going to Bible classes at my church. Plus I read the Bible every day and I learn something new every time that I had not seen the other time I have read it. In all my years of being a Christian I enjoy going to Bible class and I like to participate in the study of the word of God.

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  13. Dear Seth, I am very grateful for this Bible Study. It has certainly had me asking myself how prepared am I to meet THE LORD. You mentioned preparation, preparedness, accountability and christian responsibility. I have been examining myself to see if I am worthy, to see if I am doing those things to make me ready for GOD's Kingdom. Thanks very much again, b/cause sometimes I let my busy stressful schedule get in my way of reading even a chapter. I Love the LORD and I want to stay on the right pathway. Looking forward to the next session. GOD's richest Blessings.
    Sophia, CT

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  14. After rereading the message this time, I ask myself , when Seth says, ''to take our call of salvation seriously and NOT TREAT IT AS THOUGH WE WERE ALREADY IN HEAVEN'', is he saying, we should not be thinking, '' I am 'saved' ...guaranteed going to heaven...I don't need to do any 'extra' preparation?'' Claudette. CT

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  15. I agree that you will not be rewarded for the things you did not do.
    John P. CT

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