Laboring in the Lord
Christian leaders are not doing God's work apart from Him, but rather they are obedient instruments through whom God works, relying on His energy and grace.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christian leaders are not independent agents performing God's work but rather obedient instruments through whom God accomplishes His purposes. He clarifies that while believers are called to labor in the Lord, it is essential to recognize that their efforts are empowered by God's grace and energy. Tozer cites 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Colossians 1:29 to illustrate that true labor in the Lord is not in vain, as it is God who works through us. The sermon encourages believers to fully commit to their calling, understanding that their work is a partnership with God.
Text
Certain passages of Scripture, if carelessly read, might give the impression that God delegates some of His work to Christian leaders to do for Him as a manufacturer might sublet to others certain items in a contract; such, for instance, as First Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." In First Corinthians 16:10 Paul says plainly that Timothy "is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am," but we must never understand from this that these men did a work of God apart.
Rather they were the obedient instruments in whom and through whom God wrought His own work.
Any misunderstanding about this is cleared up by the explanation of Paul in Colossians 1:29, "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me"; and First Corinthians 15:10, "I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."
Sermon Outline
- Understanding God's Work
- The Role of Christian Leaders
- The Source of Strength for Leaders
- God's energy works in them
- God's grace is with them
Key Quotes
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — A.W. Tozer
“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” — A.W. Tozer
“I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that you are an instrument of God and seek to be obedient to His will.
- Rely on God's energy and grace to work through you in your service to Him.
- Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, trusting that your labor will not be in vain.