Being Faithful in the Small Things

Luke 19:17

Luke 19:17 And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' ESV\r
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What are big things for God?\r
Scope (Large numbers of people)\r
Significance (Large impact)\r
Permanence (Staying power)\r
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Why do we want to do big things?\r
Makes us feel more important\r
Makes us feel more needed\r
Feeds our ego\r
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Example: Babel (Genesis 11). They wanted to "make a name for themselves." Instead of obeying God who told them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Sometimes our "big things" are not really for God at all but to make a name for ourselves. \r
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Why does God give us small things to do?\r
Training \r
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Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. NKJV\r
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Luke 6:40-41 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. ESV\r
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Teaches us patience\r
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James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. NKJV\r
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Example: The Apostle Paul. Although he was a learned Pharisee the Lord took him away for 3 years of study before launching him into a ministry (Galatians 1). \r
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Why does it not matter how big or small the task?\r
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Examples: \r
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1. Giving: Widow's mites (Luke 21:2) she gave more because it was out of her need.\r
2. Evangelism: Phillip (Acts 8) He just went and listened in on a struggle going on and just had a conversation - led to salvation\r
3. Dedication: Hannah (1 Samuel 1) she dedicated her son to God - led to the anointing of Israel's 1st 2 kings\r
4. Being a godly example (1 Corinthians 7:16) in marriage - can lead to salvation\r
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1Corinthians 12;14-31 Each part of the body should fulfill its own function and just because you have a more visible function doesn't mean the less visible are less important. Not everyone is an Apostle - we should aspire to be used of God but there is something even more important: love (becoming like the Lord).\r
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Zechariah 4:5-10 Then he said, 6 "This is GOD's Message to Zerubbabel: 'You can't force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,' says GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies. 7 'So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you're nothing but a molehill. He'll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers: Yes! Yes! Do it!'" 8 After that, the Word of GOD came to me: 9 "Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. 10 Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!"\r
(THE MESSAGE) - So perseverance\r
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God often starts small\r
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Mark 4:31 Kingdom of God like a small mustard seed that grows and grows\r
Luke 17:6 Our faith as a mustard seed can move mountains\r
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How to be faithful in the small things\r
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1. It's about the task, not the result\r
God gives us tasks, not the other way around\r
It's not the size of the task but the size of the God who asks for it \r
Know that there really are not any "small" tasks in God's kingdom\r
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1 Corinthians 3:5-8 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ESV\r
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God's Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11)\r
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2. It's about being faithful, not successful\r
God judges by obedience, not success\r
The measure of success isn't the end product but did you do what God called you to do? \r
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1 Corinthians 4:1-5 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. ESV\r
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The things the world aspires to are opposite in God's economy (1 Corinthians 1:28) God chose the weak to shame the wise so we might not boast except in the Lord\r
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3. It's about the Lord, not the servant\r
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1 Corinthians 10:31-32 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ESV (does God or we receive the glory?)\r
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Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ESV (who are you trying to please or get something from?)\r
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We are soldiers taking orders, not the General planning the battle\r
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4. It's about spreading the gospel, not building a power base\r
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The Disciples wanted power, Jesus wanted a witness (Acts 1)\r
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Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do , in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ESV \r