The Power of a Pledge to Be Faithful

Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer PhDFamily Worship Center

I Corinthians 4:1-2 1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

In 2014 God is calling you to

reap the rewards of faithfulness!

Hebrews 11:6“6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Colossians 3:17, 23-2417And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.23And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Part One: Please the Right

Person

Before you PLAN or PLEDGE you need to start with PLEASING the right PERSON.

Pleasing People or Pleasing God…

• “I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10 NLT

Pleasing People or Pleasing God…

• This simplifies life incredibly! You only need one person’s approval and that is God’s.

Pleasing People or Pleasing God…

• Being a people pleaser is a tremendous strain. God has called you to please Him, and not people. Live your purpose, please your creator and you will be much more successful in life and relationships.

Pleasing People or Pleasing God…

• Jesus said it like this in John 5:30: “I don’t try to please myself, but I try to please the One who sent me” (NCV).

Pleasing People or Pleasing God…

• Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Part Two: Perform with

Passion

Perform with Passion• Part of Pleasing God is Performing

with Passion…• Operate with a spirit of

thanksgiving.• Doing your work “heartily.”

Perform with PassionDoing your work “heartily.”•From the Greek word yuch'" (psuches or psyches).• “Put your heart into it”

“be psyched up about it”.

Perform with PassionDoing your work “heartily.”• Combined with ejk yuch'" ek

(meaning from) it calls you to work from your soul with purpose and conviction (put your heart and soul in it).• Be the best at whatever you do.

Part Three: Prepare to

Prosper

Colossians 3:17, 23-2417And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.23And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Prepare to Prosper• A. KNOWING you will

RECEIVE the REWARD.• B. Hebrews 11:6… “6 But without

faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Prepare to Prosper• In 2014 God is calling you to

reap the rewards of faithfulness!

•Hinges upon… “you serve the Lord Christ.”

Part Four: Plan Your Priorities

Plan Your Priorities•He that aims at nothing will

probably hit it.• If you want your priorities to

work in life your need to plan your priorities and put your plan into action with a pledge to God of faithfulness.

Commitment Card… With God’s help as I start 2014 I commit myself to be…

• …Faithful to God in daily devotions and attending church.• …Faithful to my family and other relationships, keeping sex

only in marriage.• …Faithful in my work doing all things diligently for Christ.• …Faithful in my health taking care of the temple of the Holy

Spirit.• …Faithful in my finances, being a wise steward of what God

blesses me with.

• Signed ____________