## The Ministry of a Servant

## Luke 14:16-24

(1 Cor 3:9) "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

Here the apostle Paul makes a statement that seems a bit unusual. God is the Sovereign Almighty Creator of the universe. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. The Bible tells us that He is above all and beyond our full comprehension. But He has chosen us to be co-laborers with Him! Isn't that the most amazing thing that you have ever thought about?

Now some would say that Paul is talking about those who are called into "The Ministry". I would have to agree. But all too often we view "The Ministry" as an occupational field like the military or the medical profession. Although it can be the path that many take as far as their life's work is concerned, it should not be narrowed to only mean this. All of us, whether we are 'occupational ministers' or not, should be involved in ministry.

Now as co-laborers with God we need to understand that there are some things that God has told us to do, and we should be obedient. Now there are other things that God has reserved for Himself. We cannot do what God has reserved for Himself, and He will not do what He has commanded us to do. We are 'co-laborers together with God'.

Read: Luke 14:16-24 Let's consider this passage this morning and see a number of important things concerning the ministry. For the application of this parable we want to identify the characters. The guests represent those who are without Christ; the servants represent the believers in Christ; and of course the Master represents the Lord. I know that there are several spiritual applications and meanings to this passage, but I want to focus on what it says concerning ministry.

I. The Purpose of the Ministry. v23-24

A. To Fill the House with the Lost.

1. The word 'fill' means to be completely full…not partially or half-full.

2. Now whose responsibility is it to see that the Master's house is filled?

3. Right…the believer's.

4. That is what God has commanded us to do, and He will not do what we can.

B. To Feed the Hungry.

1. There is nothing wrong with programs to provide folks with food.

2. We make up food baskets for those who are in need, and we have a food pantry to provide food for those who are hungry.

3. But that isn't the primary purpose of ministry.

4. Jesus instructed Peter to feed His lambs.

5. The primary purpose of ministry is to feed those who hunger for the Word of God.

6. Grace Baptist Temple is to be a source of spiritual nourishment for all who come through those doors.

7. We cannot force-feed anyone.

a. There are some who are spoiled and just want to eat junk food. (ex. Chad)

b. There are others who go away hungry claiming that they just weren't being fed.

c. Again, we are to do what God has commanded us to do.

d. It is our responsibility to fulfill the purpose of the ministry.

II. The People of the Ministry:

A. The Savior

1. All of our work, our ministry should be done in and through the power of the Lord.

Mark 16:20, "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

2. He is the only source of our spiritual energy.

John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

3. He always equips us to do what He calls us to do.

Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

B. The Servant.

1. Remember, he is representative of all believers.

2. Three times in this passage he was told to go out.

a. His first command was to go quietly and calmly and simply invite them to come to supper.

b. The second command was more urgent. "go out quickly"

c. The third time the command was given it was the final call. "compel them to come".

3. The servant has not fulfilled his responsibility to his master until his Master's wishes are fulfilled.

4. Too often we lack the servant's heart attitude of pleasing our Master.

5. The focus of this exchange is not on what the servant wants or desires, but only upon what the Master commands.

C. The Guests: we see three different groups of people here.

1. Those who had previously been invited to come. v17

2. Those who had not been invited before. v21

3. Finally, the call goes out to everyone, everywhere. v23

III. The Result of the Ministry.

A. Many were invited, but they wouldn't come.

B. They began to give excuses as to why they couldn't come.

1. These excuses were ridiculous.

a. I bought a piece of ground and must go see it…who ever heard of buying real estate sight unseen!

b. I bought a five yoke (10) of oxen and need to go prove them or check them out.

c. The third fellow couldn't think as fast as the others and said, "Well I am married now so I can't come."

2. But then most excuses are foolish aren't they.

3. People still make excuses today, but one day every one of us will stand before God.

4. Some will stand as believers before the judgment seat of Christ, others will stand as unbelievers before the Great White Throne judgment.

5. Either way, excuses will not matter then.

C. Note the Master's response to the excuses.

1. Go invite others…

2. Compel them to come in…

3. You see we are not to debate or argue with those who make excuses and refuse to come.

4. We are to go out to others and do everything we can to get them to come to the Master's house.

5. Why? Because men and women; boys and girls need to hear about the love of God.

6. They need to know that Jesus Christ died on Calvary for their sins.

7. They need to understand that there is hope for them if they will, by faith, come to Jesus Christ.

We are co-laborers with God. Our job is to fill His house and feed His lambs. His job is to save their souls. Will we do what God has called us to do or will we make excuses? Go out quickly…the time is short. What we do for Christ, we must do now…we dare not put it off.

Have you heard the Master's call today? Perhaps you need to come and accept Christ as your Savior today, come now. Maybe there are those here who have not been focusing on what the Master wants from His servants. Will you come today and surrender to His will in your life. Will you go out and compel them to come in?

Whatever the need, the invitation is for you. Come today before it is too late.