A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 5: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Charac ter : The Outward Di sc i p l i nes 175

each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

(4) They seek no gain by unjust means, Prov. 15.27 – Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.

d. We carry out our duties as one who will give an account for what we have done.

(1) We will give an account of our stewardship to the Lord, Rom. 14.12 – So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (2) We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5.10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (3) Judgment is reserved for the Lord, 1 Cor. 4.5 – 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.

4. Beware of the all-consuming nature of covetousness.

a. Our lives do not consist in the things we possess, Luke 12.15 – And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

b. Our lives are more than what we acquire, Eccles. 5.10-16 – He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. [11] When goods increase,