Courageous Servant Builders
When asked by whose authority they were rebuilding the temple, the first wave of returnees answered, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished” (cf. Ezra 5:11). How can we become courageous “Servant Builders” in God’s Kingdom?
Courageous Servant Builders:
1. Never ‘go it alone’ (vs. 7:28-8:20)
- God’s blueprint for expanding His Kingdom is to do it in community with other like-minded people (cf. Mark 6:7; Eccl. 4:9-12; Prov. 27:17; 1 Cor. 3:9)
- As we courageously invite others to join the mission, trust God to move their hearts (cf. Matt. 9:37-38)
- Becoming a Servant Builder requires personal sacrifice (cf. Lk. 9:23, 62; 14:27; Matt. 10:38-39; 2 Cor. 5:15)
Are you actively contributing as a Servant Builder to the strengthening of the body of Christ and the advancement of His mission to seek and save the lost? What personal comforts and conveniences are keeping you from sacrificially serving God? What is your natural response to those who invite you to join their team as a Servant Builder?
2. Depend wholeheartedly on God (vs. 21-30)
- Our actions should align with who we declare to be fully dependent on (cf. James 2:17)
- Putting our words into action and trusting God with the results takes courage (cf. Josh. 1:9; Isa. 41:10; Ps. 56:3-4)
- “It is impossible to please God without faith…” (cf. Heb. 11:6)
What or who do you turn to first when faced with a challenge that is beyond your strength and wisdom? Do your actions and words clearly testify that you depend on God? Do you “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” and “in all your ways submit to Him”? If so, live by faith, and be courageous because, “He will make your paths straight” (cf. Prov. 3:5-6).
3. Steward what God has entrusted to them with integrity (vs. 28-36)
- God is rich in mercy – undeserved kindness and compassion. He withholds what we deserve and graciously entrusts us with what we don’t deserve (cf. Micah 7:18; Eph. 2:4-5)
- Our lives and all we have been entrusted with are consecrated to the Lord, which should motivate us to steward both with integrity (cf. 1 Pt. 2:9-10)
- One day, we will arrive at the judgement seat of Christ to give an account for our stewardship (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10)
What has God entrusted you with and how are you doing in stewarding this in a world full of competing loyalties? Are you investing time and energy in what has eternal value? How does God’s holiness affect the way you live?
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